Government's Efforts to Improve Health Insurance Program Underway

The Ministry of Health and Population is prioritizing efforts to bring about improvements in the health insurance program. According to the Health Insurance Board, the estimated amount due to hospitals for providing healthcare services to insured patients under the health insurance program has increased to over NPR 23.36 billion. Secretary Vikas Devkota of the Ministry of Health and Population stated, "Last year, there was a budget allocation of NPR 10 billion, but this time it has been decided to allocate NPR 12 billion, aiming to provide some relief. However, discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Finance to swiftly disburse the payments to hospitals and determine short-term and long-term solutions." The independent body, the Health Insurance Board, has mentioned that hospitals have been instructed to ensure prompt payment, and they are in discussions with the ministry on this matter. Some teaching hospitals have faced interruptions in receiving payments under the insurance program, leading to a halt in services covered under the insurance. Hospitals that have not received payment have raised concerns about the halt in services covered under the insurance program. Some hospitals, including Patan Hospital and Gangalal Heart Center, have faced financial challenges due to the delay in reimbursements. About a decade ago, the health insurance scheme allowed families with up to five members to receive free healthcare services up to NPR 100,000 per year.