Birgunj, July 28 -- The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has announced a nationwide shutdown of all non-emergency hospital services on Tuesday, accusing the state of failing to protect doctors and healthcare workers.

In a statement, the association said it would also escalate its protests in the coming days.

The NMA has been demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violent attack on doctors and healthcare workers, and the vandalism at Narayani Hospital in Birgunj on Saturday.

The association said the decision to suspend non-essential services was taken in protest against the government's failure to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The NMA also condemned what it described as police intimidation and m...