Government Mandates Hospitals to Provide OPD Services on Public Holidays

The Ministry of Health and Population has issued a directive mandating that 34 hospitals and health facilities continue to offer Out-Patient Department (OPD) services during public holidays.

Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, a spokesperson for the Ministry, confirmed that the directive was sent to these institutions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining OPD services even on public holidays.

This mandate follows a request from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, which instructed the Ministry to ensure that hospitals provide comprehensive services, including OPD, throughout all public holidays.

Dr. Budhathoki noted that the directive has been communicated to major hospitals such as Bir Hospital, Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Bheri Hospital, National Tuberculosis Centre, Koshi Hospital, Nepal Eye Hospital, Kanti Children’s Hospital, Sahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Rapti Academy of Health Sciences, and Patan Academy of Health Sciences, among others.

A notice published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Nepal Gazette outlines a special provision requiring hospitals to offer all services, including OPD, during public holidays.

This government action addresses public concerns regarding the limited availability of health services on holidays, aiming to ensure continuous access to essential medical care.