Kathmandu, December 5 National Female Health Volunteers Day was marked today by organising different programmes. Speaking at the programme organised by Nursing and Social Security Division, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Upendra Yadav announced that the government would provide health insurance to all female health volunteers. Female health volunteers raise awareness of family planning, help reduce child and maternal mortality rate, and are also engaged in vitamin A and nutrition campaigns. However, the government has so far failed to recognise their services. Kamala Panta, a female health volunteer, said the government should recognise the contribution of female health volunteers.“The government in 1998 had announced that it would provide free health services to female health volunteers. However, they have not been able to avail the service so far,” said RP Bichha, director at Family Welfare Division. “The government has begun the process of providing FHV free health services,” he added.