Apr 17, Kathmandu - Government hospitals in Nepal will now observe a two-day weekly holiday on Saturdays and Sundays, leading to the closure of outpatient department (OPD) services on weekends.

Previously, the Ministry of Health and Population had urged hospitals to keep OPD services open on Sundays to prevent inconvenience to patients. However, after the Medical Association expressed their inability to manage this arrangement, the government decided to uphold the two-day weekend holiday.

A press release issued by the ministry clarified that the implementation of two public holidays per week would not disrupt essential health services. Emergency and internal services will continue to operate 24/7 as usual.

Following the Cabinet decision made on Chaitra 22, the ministry assured that patient care would remain uninterrupted despite the weekend holidays. Surgical procedures scheduled for Sundays, including operating theater services, will be rescheduled according to patient needs. In cases where services are unavailable, arrangements will be made to refer patients to nearby suitable hospitals, and ambulance services will remain on standby at all times.

The ministry has directed hospitals to ensure that health services are not affected during the holidays. Additionally, they have urged hospitals to provide information about available services through their websites and notice boards for public awareness.