KATHMANDU, Sept 1: The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) has directed the Ministry of Health and Population to operate the Out Patient Department (OPD) services at hospitals on public holidays as well.

In a letter dispatched a few days ago, the OPMCM instructed the ministry to put in place arrangements to provide all health services, including OPD services, on public holidays. 

Citing reference to a letter issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding public holidays, the OPMCM said that the directive has been issued in accordance with the provisions contained in the sub-clause 10.1 section (Na) of the special provision related to public service delivery.

According to the notice, health-related services (including OPD) provided by all types of hospitals should be operated on public holidays as well.

It was shared that most of the health agencies have been asked to provide services on public holidays acting on public complaints that health-related services are not being accessible on all days.

The OPMCM has also requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to make necessary coordination and monitoring for the arrangements of services.

According to the special provision, services related to citizenship, national identity card, passport, foreign employment service, including hospitals, should be operated on public holidays as in other days.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Prakash Budhathoki said the instruction of the OPMCM regarding OPD services at the hospitals would be implemented. 

"We are preparing to write to all hospitals after taking a decision from the ministry," he said, adding, "We are also discussing how to manage the employees working on public holidays."

He said that discussions are being held on the modality of the operation of OPD services on public holidays.

 
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