The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has approved the Code of Conduct for Employees Working in the Ministry and its Subordinate Bodies, 2083, effective from the date of approval on Asar 10, 2083. The code applies to civil servants, health-service employees, contract and temporary staff, and other personnel working in the ministry and institutions under it. It requires employees to uphold public interest, honesty, transparency, accountability, discipline, impartiality and professional behaviour, while treating service users respectfully and performing assigned duties efficiently.
The code prohibits employees from using public office for personal benefit, accepting unauthorized gifts or hospitality, favouring relatives or associates, misusing government vehicles or property, engaging in conflicts of interest, disclosing confidential information, or participating in political activities that compromise neutrality. Employees are also barred from discriminatory or abusive behaviour, sexual harassment, intimidation, corruption, commissions and other improper benefits. Government identity cards, passwords and official documents must be protected, assets must be properly managed, and staff are expected to remain at their assigned workplaces during office hours unless officially authorized to leave.
Special provisions apply to hospitals and health institutions. Staff must treat patients with respect, dignity, compassion and non-discrimination, prioritize emergency cases, pregnant women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, protect patient confidentiality, clearly explain treatment and fees, and avoid accepting gifts, commissions or benefits linked to patient care. The code also requires continuity of essential services during disasters, epidemics and emergencies and directs employees to maintain professional conduct toward colleagues and service recipients.
The document also introduces detailed rules for digital systems, artificial intelligence and social media. Employees must not publish confidential or misleading official information, distort government decisions, use social media in ways that damage institutional dignity, or share offensive content. AI and other technologies must be used with confidentiality, impartiality and accountability. Compliance will be monitored by the ministry and institutional leadership, and adherence may be considered in performance evaluations, rewards and disciplinary action. Violations can also trigger action under prevailing civil service, health service and other applicable laws.
