Pokhara, December 6

The Ministry of Health has launched the process of procuring necessary medical equipment for primary health care centres across the country where the National Health Insurance Policy has been implemented.

Social Health Security Development Committee Executive Director Dr Gunraj Lohani said the ministry had prepared files to buy x-ray, ultra sound, and blood test machines for 80 health centres of 25 districts and submitted it to the Ministry of Finance.

Lohani said they would issue tender to procure the equipment after approval from the finance ministry. He said the health ministry was doing homework to provide basic health services in village areas.

Lohani had arrived in Pokhara yesterday to attend an orientation programme for health workers under the Social Health Security Programme. He informed that the bill on Health Insurance Act was ready and needed to be approved.

Under the Social Health Security Development Programme, a member can avail treatment of up to Rs 50,000 by paying Rs 2,500 annually. As many as 25 districts, including Kaski have implemented the programme. As per the programme, up to five members of a family can get treatment and medicine within the upper limit.

For families exceeding five members, each extra person should pay Rs 425 as premium. One willing to continue using the programme needs to renew it by paying the premium amount for the next year.

Under the programme, insured individuals can use the OPD and emergency services at health care centres and have some tests taken for free.