The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) has instructed the Ministry of Health and Population to ensure that Out Patient Department (OPD) service 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, citing a letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding public holidays, confirmed that this directive aligns with the provisions outlined in sub-clause 10.1 of the special provision related to public service delivery.

According to the notice, all types of hospitals are required to provide health services, including OPD, on public holidays. This move comes in response to public complaints about the inaccessibility 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 hospitals, must be available on public holidays, just as they are on other 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. -- RSS