Kathmandu, April 12
The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has drawn the attention of the Ministry of Health and Population to the difficulty of operating out-patient department (OPD) services on Sundays.
The NMA has urged the Ministry to reconsider its decision to run OPD services on Sundays as well, following the government’s implementation of a two-day weekly holiday.
However, the Ministry has issued a directive to all health institutions not to discontinue medical services, regardless of the two-day weekly leave. It has asked hospitals to manage their workload and ensure that OPD services are available on Sundays.
In response to the directive, the doctors’ association said it would be difficult to run OPD services on Sundays due to a shortage of workforce. It added that it is unjust to calculate doctors’ duty hours at a time when they are already providing services round the clock, including on-call duties, ward rounds, and emergency care, in addition to regular working hours.
The NMA further stated that the Ministry’s directive cannot be effectively implemented without ensuring adequate staffing.
Meanwhile, hospitals have issued varying notices regarding the implementation of the two-day weekly leave.
TU Teaching Hospital, Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Centre, and Karnali Academy of Health Sciences have decided to fully close OPD services on Sundays. On the other hand, Rapti Academy of Health Sciences, Bir Hospital, National Trauma Centre, and Bharatpur Hospital have said they will continue services on Sundays.
The NMA said such inconsistencies in leave policies for doctors and health workers are creating confusion among patients, and reiterated its call for the decision to be reconsidered.
