KATHMANDU, APRIL 17 The Ministry of Health and Population has directed all hospitals to ensure uninterrupted patient care and round-the-clock emergency services through the newly introduced two-day weekend holiday, while keeping patient welfare and staff morale in mind. In a press release issued by Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, Spokesperson and Chief of HEDMU/HEOC, the ministry said that following the Cabinet decision published in the Nepal Gazette on Chaitra 22, 2082, establishing Saturday and Sunday as public holidays, hospitals must reschedule any pre-scheduled Sunday surgeries and other procedures, review residual cases, and ensure that both inpatient and emergency services remain operational 24 hours a day without disruption. The ministry urged hospitals to provide the best possible services to patients on holiday days without causing them unnecessary hardship, to facilitate easy referral to nearby appropriate facilities for services not available on-site, and to keep ambulances on standby at all times. Hospitals were also directed to publish details of services available during holidays on their websites and notice boards for public information. The ministry further expressed its commitment to strengthening and refining health services following the completion of the Organisation and Management (O&M) survey in the coming days, in full compliance with the Hospital Reform Action Plan, 2082.