Doctors Push Back as NMA Rejects Sunday OPD Proposal

Sabika Shrestha

The Government of Nepal’s decision to implement a two-day public holiday on Saturdays and Sundays for government employees has sparked a dispute in the health sector, with authorities mandating hospitals to continue outpatient department (OPD) services on Sundays.

Following the new policy, several hospitals moved to close OPD services on both weekend days.

However, the Ministry of Health and Population directed health institutions to keep OPD services open on Sundays to ensure uninterrupted healthcare access for the public.

The move however has drawn mixed reactions from the public.

Some have supported the government’s decision while a large number of patients argued that hospitals must remain open at all times as it falls under the essential services.

“Hospitals are essential public services focused on emergency care, and therefore they should remain operational at all times, including during holidays.” a service seeker said.

However, the Nepal Medical Association, a professional umbrella organization for medical and dental doctors, has requested that the provision of two-day leave be granted to medical professionals as well.

General Secretary of NMA Dr. Sanjeev Tiwari said that emergency services have never been disrupted, even during the weekends.

Tiwari said, “Doctors are always in service. Emergency and critical care services remain open even on Saturdays and holidays. OPD services are mostly for regular check-ups, not emergencies.”

The association has also pointed out inconsistencies, noting that while other sectors enjoy public holidays, healthcare workers are expected to maintain full services without adequate staffing arrangements or compensation mechanisms.

The ongoing situation meanwhile highlights the challenge of balancing continuous public healthcare services with the well-being and capacity of medical professionals as Nepal transitions to a two-day weekend system.