The Ministry of Health and Population has said that because healthcare is an essential service that must continue without interruption, special arrangements are necessary following the government’s decision to introduce two public holidays each week. The ministry expressed appreciation to hospitals that have continued operating OPD services in line with its earlier request, saying the arrangement has helped patients access care more easily.

The ministry acknowledged concerns raised by doctors, health workers and healthcare institutions regarding workloads and working arrangements under the new holiday system. It said it is committed to addressing those concerns while emphasizing that ensuring uninterrupted access to sensitive and essential health services remains a shared responsibility, particularly in the best interests of patients.

To create a more organized, balanced and sustainable system, the ministry said it is preparing a dedicated work procedure in consultation and coordination with relevant stakeholders and plans to implement it as soon as possible. Until the procedure is finalized, hospitals have been asked to continue arranging services according to their available human resources and workload, while keeping patients’ interests as the highest priority.

The ministry stressed that the government’s priority is to keep hospital services continuous while protecting health workers’ right to rest, and called for continued cooperation, coordination and support from health professionals and other stakeholders.