The Ministry of Health and Population has issued instructions to ensure uninterrupted healthcare following the government’s introduction of a two-day weekly public holiday on Saturday and Sunday. The ministry said hospitals must balance continuity of patient care with the welfare and morale of health workers while implementing the government’s revised holiday policy.

Hospitals have been asked to include Sunday operations in their pre-scheduled operation theatre (OT) lists where required, while emergency health services must remain available 24 hours a day. During public holidays, hospitals should provide as many services as possible and, where a required service is unavailable, arrange prompt referral of patients to the nearest appropriate hospital. Ambulances must also be kept in a state of readiness for emergency use.

For greater transparency, hospitals have been instructed to publish details of the health services available during public holidays through their websites and notice boards. The ministry also reiterated its commitment to strengthening and refining hospital service delivery through implementation of the Hospital Service Improvement Procedure, 2082, including necessary organizational and management reforms.