Jul 02, Kathmandu - The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has implemented a new code of conduct to regulate the behavior of hospital staff towards patients, professional ethics, political neutrality, and the use of social media. This initiative aims to promote a disciplined, transparent, and patient-centered work culture within healthcare institutions.

The code clearly outlines the responsibilities and expected behavior that all hospital employees must adhere to. According to the guidelines, staff members must perform their duties free from political influence or bias, maintaining absolute political neutrality. They are also committed to respecting and safeguarding patients' rights, offering special assistance to women, senior citizens, children, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups.

The code emphasizes respectful, courteous, compassionate, and service-oriented behavior towards patients, visitors, and other beneficiaries. Discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, language, economic status, or any other grounds is strictly prohibited. Priority must be given to emergency cases, pregnant women, children, elderly, and disabled individuals.

Furthermore, the guidelines stress the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of patients’ personal and health information, providing clear details about treatment and service charges, and avoiding unnecessary delays or making patients wait in different rooms.

Hospital staff are directed to deliver quality healthcare with professionalism, honesty, fairness, and accountability. The code explicitly bans accepting or soliciting bribes, commissions, gifts, or any other improper benefits during service delivery.

Protection of hospital property, medicines, equipment, and resources is mandated, along with strict adherence to infection control, cleanliness, and waste management protocols. Respectful behavior towards colleagues and patients is compulsory, and any form of physical, mental, or sexual harassment and exploitation is prohibited.

During emergencies, disasters, and pandemics, staff are expected to demonstrate high responsibility and dedication, contributing positively to the hospital’s reputation and public trust.

The code also restricts employees from sharing official information or data obtained in their official capacity through social media or communication channels, unless legally permitted. It prohibits disseminating false information or content that could misinterpret government decisions.

According to the ministry, the primary goal of this new code is to foster a disciplined, accountable, and service-oriented work environment in healthcare institutions, thereby enhancing the quality of health services provided to the public.