KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 4
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has expressed the government's commitment to addressing the problems facing the national health insurance scheme, pledging that adequate financial resources will be arranged.
During a discussion on the health insurance programme at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday, PM Karki stated that the government remains committed to continuing the service despite the ongoing financial crisis, implementing a one-door system, and strengthening regulatory mechanisms. According to her, the necessary resources would be ensured immediately.
She clarified that the health insurance programme should continue even if the government has to borrow funds or mobilize alternative resources.
However, she emphasized that monetary incentives for health checkups and treatment should be maintained, particularly for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, Dalits, and people from poor and marginalized communities.
She noted that currently 1.617 million people are enrolled in the health insurance scheme, which is funded through taxes paid by nearly 30 million citizens. "The service must reach the targeted groups," she said.
On the occasion, Vice-Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, Dr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha, suggested that the government introduce certain reforms to the health insurance scheme. He said resource management could be improved by integrating distribution-oriented welfare programmes and eliminating duplication with the contribution-based Social Security Fund.
Similarly, Chairperson of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission, Juddha Bahadur Gurung, stressed the need for policy-level reforms and the removal of overlapping provisions to ensure the effective implementation of such social programmes focused on public health.
(With inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)
