The government has decided to run the outpatient service in all government hospital till five in the evening.

A letter issued by the Ministry of Health on

Sunday instructs the government hospitals in all 75 districts to extend the duration of outpatient service till 5 pm from 2 pm.

Patients could only see doctors at their private clinics or emergency wards after 2 pm until now.

 The decision to extend the outpatient service is expected to offer timely medical attention to the public as well as limit the volume of patients in hospitals.

A panel has also been formed to monitor if the government hospitals are implementing the decision, said Mahendra Shrestha, the ministry spokesperson.