KATHMANDU: Professional organizations in the health sector have expressed concern over the government’s decision to implement a two-day public holiday each week, citing its impracticality in essential services.
Issuing a joint press statement, the organizations said the decision is not feasible in a sensitive sector like healthcare, where uninterrupted service delivery is critical.
A Cabinet meeting held on April 5 had decided to grant public holidays on Saturdays and Sundays with the aim of reducing fuel consumption.
While welcoming the intent behind the decision, the joint professional bodies stressed the need for serious consideration in its implementation within the health sector.
The statement noted that due to a long-standing shortage of human resources, health institutions have not been able to develop organizational structures in line with actual needs. In such a situation, additional holidays could increase pressure on service delivery and further escalate workload and mental stress among healthcare workers.
The organizations also claimed that the Ministry of Health and Population has interpreted the Cabinet’s decision in a manner that contradicts its original spirit, arguing that such an approach is not legally enforceable.
They urged the government to make necessary arrangements to prevent disruption in healthcare services, keeping patients’ welfare as the top priority.
The statement was signed by 15 representatives, including coordinator Dr. Anil Bikram Karki and member secretary Michael Devkota, with support from various health-related associations.
The organizations have called on the government to review the decision, taking into account the ground realities of the health sector.
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