KATHMANDU: Patient flow has surged in government hospitals across the capital on Monday after the government decided to suspend outpatient department (OPD) services on Sundays.
The weekend closure is part of a broader policy to grant public holidays on Saturdays and Sundays, introduced to address global fuel shortages. However, the move has led to a spike in patient numbers at major public hospitals, putting additional strain on already limited resources.
Hospitals such as Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Bir Hospital, and the National Trauma Center have witnessed long queues from early morning, with thousands seeking services ranging from routine check-ups to complex treatments.
Doctors say the growing pressure is affecting service delivery. Due to limited manpower and infrastructure, a single physician is often required to examine between 100 to 150 patients a day—far exceeding international standards, which recommend around 30 to 40 patients daily for quality care.
Health workers warn that the increasing patient load and time constraints are making it difficult to provide adequate attention to each patient, potentially compromising the quality of care.
At the same time, access to private healthcare remains limited for many due to high costs. Even basic consultations at private hospitals can cost thousands of rupees, forcing low- and middle-income patients to rely on government facilities.
A health department official said the situation is unlikely to improve without expanding human resources, equipment, and infrastructure in public hospitals. Strengthening primary healthcare centers and provincial hospitals could help reduce the burden on major hospitals in Kathmandu, the official added.
Experts also emphasize the need for effective implementation of health insurance programs, expansion of healthcare services in rural areas, and an increase in the number of medical professionals to better manage the growing demand.
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