Nepal Medical Association Rejects Ministry's Request for Sunday OPD Services

Kathmandu. The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has rejected the Ministry of Health and Population's request to continue OPD services on Sundays. In a press release, the association cited a shortage of manpower and practical difficulties, stating it is currently impossible to provide Sunday OPD services.

In the context of the government's decision to grant two days of public holidays (Saturday and Sunday) per week, the Ministry had requested hospitals to provide OPD services on Sundays based on workload. The association has expressed serious concern regarding this request.

The NMA maintains that it is not possible to provide additional services with existing staff without managing further human resources. The statement notes that it is unjust that the 24-hour services provided by doctors and health workers, including on-call, rounds, and emergency duties beyond the 10-4 shift, are not being accounted for.

The association claims that having different holidays would lead to a lack of uniformity in health institutions, creating confusion and inconvenience for patients, which would ultimately impact healthcare services.

The NMA also stated that it is impractical to increase fuel consumption by extending OPD hours when the two-day holiday decision was made due to fuel shortages.

The association has strongly demanded that the Ministry withdraw its request and make an appropriate decision. It has also warned that if forced to work without providing minimum service facilities, doctors and health workers will be compelled to protest, and the Ministry itself will be held responsible.