Hospitals in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu and other major cities are overwhelmed with casualties amid escalating anti-corruption protests that have plunged the nation into crisis. The protests, led predominantly by youth identifying as “Gen Z,” erupted over widespread allegations of political corruption, nepotism, and a government ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
The demonstrations began in early September 2025 after the Nepalese government imposed the social media ban. The move, ostensibly aimed at enforcing compliance with registration rules, was widely seen as an attempt to silence growing public dissent. Tens of thousands of protesters, including university students and even schoolchildren, flooded streets in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Itahari, calling for an end to corruption and demanding government accountability.
Clashes between protesters and security forces have been fierce, with police deploying tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition against crowds attempting to storm government buildings including the parliament. According to Human Rights Watch, security forces’ response resulted in at least 19 deaths and more than 300 injuries nationwide, many protesters sustaining severe head injuries from gunshots. Several hospitals have reported critical shortages of resources and are struggling to accommodate the influx of wounded demonstrators.
Dr. Suraj Adhikari, Chief of Emergency Services at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Hospital, described the chaos: “We have never witnessed such a massive influx of trauma cases in such a short time. Our emergency wards are beyond capacity, and the number of critically injured—including many youth and children—keeps rising.” Medical staff are working tirelessly under difficult conditions to provide care amid shortages of supplies and frequent power outages.
The protests also saw the burning of key political properties, including the Nepali Congress headquarters and residences of senior government figures. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli was forced to resign on September 9, 2025, acknowledging the severity of the crisis and political pressure stemming from the unrest. Despite the ban’s subsequent repeal, protests have continued unabated, targeting symbols of corruption and demanding systemic reform.
Eyewitness Subarna Gurung, a college student and protest participant, said, “This is more than just about social media. It’s about a generation refusing to accept the corruption that steals our future. We risk everything to be heard.” Political analysts note that the movement, largely leaderless, is fueled by deep-seated frustration among Nepal’s youth over chronic unemployment, socio-economic inequality, and the privileges of political elites.
The United Nations has called for calm and dialogue, urging the Nepalese government and protesters to avoid further violence. Volker Türk, UN Human Rights Chief, condemned the disproportionate use of force by police and urged an impartial investigation into the killings.
In summary, Nepal’s hospitals remain overwhelmed amid a turbulent protests environment fueled by demands for transparency and justice. The nation faces a fraught path forward, needing political reforms, reconciliation, and healing to restore peace.
