Nepal Ministry of Health Issues Guidelines for Two-Day Weekend Implementation

Kathmandu. The Ministry of Health and Population has released its official stance regarding the potential impact on the health sector and service delivery following the Nepal government's recent implementation of a two-day public holiday policy.

In accordance with the Cabinet decision and the notice published in the Nepal Gazette, a two-day holiday on Saturday and Sunday is now in effect. In this context, the Ministry has issued new procedures and directives to ensure that patient treatment is not hindered.

According to a statement issued by Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, instructions have been given to reschedule services, including pre-planned surgeries on Sundays, based on patient convenience. However, sensitive hospital departments such as inpatient and emergency services will continue to operate 24 hours a day as usual. The Ministry believes this arrangement will help balance the workload and morale of healthcare workers.

To ensure patients do not suffer from a lack of treatment during holidays, the Ministry has urged hospitals to exercise special vigilance. Instructions have been issued to facilitate the referral of patients to the nearest appropriate hospital for services unavailable at the current facility and to keep ambulances on standby at all times.

Additionally, it has been made mandatory for hospitals to display information on their websites and notice boards regarding which services are available during holidays so that the public can easily access them.

The Ministry has urged all health institutions to fully comply with the 'Hospital Improvement Procedure, 2082'. The statement also expresses a commitment to further strengthening, modernizing, and refining health services once the organization and management survey is completed in the coming days.