KATHMANDU: The Nepal Medical Association has urged the government to reconsider its decision to operate Outpatient Department (OPD) services on Sundays, citing serious concerns over workforce shortages and increasing workload.
The appeal comes after the Ministry of Health and Population directed hospitals to continue OPD services on Sundays following the implementation of a two-day weekend policy for Saturday and Sunday.
The Ministry had instructed hospitals to manage their workload and ensure service delivery, even if it required arranging compensatory leave for staff. The move was aimed at preventing disruptions in healthcare services after the new weekend system came into effect.
However, issuing a statement, the Medical Association said the directive would be difficult to implement due to a lack of sufficient manpower. It stressed that operating OPD services on Sundays is not feasible under the current conditions.
The Association further argued that doctors and healthcare workers are already engaged beyond regular 9-to-5 hours, providing round-the-clock services including on-call duties, ward rounds, and emergency care. It termed the exclusion of these working hours from official recognition as unjust.
It maintained that the Ministry’s directive cannot be implemented unless adequate human resources are ensured.
Meanwhile, hospitals and health institutions have issued varied notices regarding Sunday services. Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center, and Karnali Academy of Health Sciences have decided to suspend OPD services on Sundays, except for emergency care.
In contrast, Rapti Academy of Health Sciences, Bir Hospital, National Trauma Center, and Bharatpur Hospital have stated that they will continue providing services on Sundays.
The Association warned that inconsistent holiday schedules across health institutions could create confusion among patients and severely impact service delivery.
It also cautioned that if the prevailing trend of compelling healthcare workers to work with minimal facilities continues, doctors and health professionals may be forced to launch protest programs.
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