KATHMANDU: Outpatient Department (OPD) services at government hospitals will now remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
The decision comes after the Ministry of Health and Population withdrew its earlier request to keep OPD services open on Sundays, citing concerns over patient inconvenience. The move follows objections from the Nepal Medical Association, which expressed its inability to comply.
In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry clarified that the implementation of a two-day public holiday would not disrupt essential healthcare services.
Emergency and inpatient services will continue to operate 24 hours, as usual.
The ministry stated that, in line with the Cabinet decision, necessary measures will be taken to ensure continuity of patient care despite the weekend closure.
Scheduled procedures, including surgeries planned for Sundays, will be rescheduled based on patient convenience.
Hospitals have also been instructed to arrange referrals to nearby appropriate facilities if services are unavailable, and to keep ambulance services on standby at all times.
The ministry has directed all hospitals to make necessary arrangements so that healthcare delivery is not affected during public holidays.
It has also urged hospitals to provide clear information about available services through their websites and public notice boards to keep patients informed.
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