Govt directs Hospitals to operate OPD service on public holidays

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 2: The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) has instructed the Ministry of Health and Population to ensure that Outpatient Department (OPD) services in hospitals remain operational on public holidays.

In a letter sent a few days ago, the OPMCM directed the ministry to make arrangements for the provision of all health services, including OPD, during public holidays. An OPMCM official confirmed that this directive aligns with the provisions outlined in sub-clause 10.1 of the special provision related to public service delivery, as mentioned in a letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding public holidays.

According to the notice, all hospitals are required to provide health services, including OPD, on public holidays. This directive is a response to public complaints about the unavailability of health services on these days.

The OPMCM has also requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate and monitor the implementation of these services. Under the special provision, services related to citizenship, national identity cards, passports, and foreign employment, in addition to hospital services, must be available on public holidays, just as they are on regular days.

Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, stated that the ministry would implement the OPMCM's directive regarding OPD services. "We are preparing to inform all hospitals after the ministry's decision," he said, adding, "We are also discussing how to manage staff working on public holidays."

Discussions are ongoing regarding the modality of operating OPD services on public holidays.