Health

Health sector allocated over Rs 100 billion in new budget

By THT Online

File - A view of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, on Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Photo: Sandeep Sen

KATHMANDU, MAY 29 The government has allocated nearly Rs 101.95 billion for the health sector in the fiscal year 2083/84. Presenting the annual budget in the joint session of the Federal Parliament today, Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle said the allocation aims to strengthen the country's healthcare system and expand services. Of the total allocation, Rs 15 billion has been earmarked for the health insurance programme. Similarly, Rs 13.15 billion has been allocated for social health security programmes, including treatment support for underprivileged citizens, the Aama Surakshya programme, and free medicine distribution. The budget also includes plans to expand telemedicine services in remote regions, including Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, and to enhance specialised healthcare services through video consultation.