Health Ministry Orders Full Disclosure of Doctors’ Details in Patients’ Report Cards

The Ministry of Health and Population has directed all public healthcare facilities across the country to ensure complete documentation of the identity and credentials of doctors and health workers involved in patient care.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, the ministry instructed that patients’ report cards must include full identification details of medical professionals—including their full name, area of specialization, Nepal Medical Council (NMC) registration number, and signature.

The move aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and continuity of care in the public health system. It also requires that all recommendations for radiology, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic procedures be clearly documented in the report cards.

Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki stated that the directive seeks to curb the widespread practice of referring patients to external diagnostic centers even when services are available in-house. He noted that incomplete prescriptions and insufficient documentation have been hampering accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

The initiative is part of Health Minister Pradeep Paudel’s broader reform agenda to improve curative services in government-run health institutions and make healthcare more affordable and accessible. The ministry expressed hope that the new directive would enhance professional accountability and streamline patient care across federal hospitals.