KATHMANDU, JANUARY 13

The Ministry of Health and Population has issued the Patient Referral National Directory.

The Directory warrants health facilities to promptly refer patient when treatment is not possible due to structural limitations, lack of equipment, absence of medical specialists, or other valid reasons.

In cases of emergencies or inpatients, the referring health facility is responsible for necessary coordination until the patient is admitted to the referred facility.

Referral is prohibited if the initial facility is capable of treating the patient. Geographical proximity, accessibility, and availability of advanced facilities must be considered when making a referral.

Ministry Spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki stated that while clinical referral criteria already exist, the Directory addresses the overall referral system comprehensively.

In emergencies or for inpatients, the initial hospital must ensure coordination until the patient reaches the referred facility. Before referring a case, the facility must contact the respective institution to confirm the availability of required services and beds.

The Directory mandates this process at the local, provincial, and national levels. Additionally, it requires sharing the patient's information to prevent duplication of laboratory tests.

The Directory promotes need-based referrals to reduce patient congestion in government hospitals. It also grants patients the right to access information about the referred facility and discourages unnecessary referrals when treatment is possible.

The Curative Division under the Department of Health Services is the implementing body for the Directory. At the provincial level, the Provincial Health Directorate will coordinate implementation and at local levels will be managed by health-related departments, divisions, or sections, it is said.