Why Did They Join? Exploring the Motivations of Rebel Health Workers in Nepal

Abstract

There has been little systematic research on the factors that motivate people to become rebel health workers. This study explores the motivating factors of individuals who joined the Maoists as health workers in Nepal and presents the findings based on semi-structured interviews conducted with the Maoist health workers trained and mobilised by the Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist during the armed struggle with the government (1996-2006). Maoist ideology, service attitude, state injustice, involvement of a family member in the armed conflict, grievance over poor health services and gaining status were the motives for joining the rebel health services. Their motives are categorised as: (a) individual; (b) political and (c) socio-cultural factors. Post-conflict social policy in Nepal should take into consideration the reasons individuals joined the rebellion and listen to their voices to help promote sustainable peace and improve health care services in communities affected by the conflict.