Kathmandu, May 29

The government has allocated a budget of Rs 56 billion for the health sector.

Presenting the budget for the fiscal 2018/19, Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada said the government had doubled the transportation allowance for pregnant women. The government also aims to reduce maternal and child mortality.

Tax on health services has been revoked. Earlier, the government imposed five per cent tax on health services.

On the other hand, the government has hiked tax on tobacco and tobacco products, while smoking has been banned in public places.

Minister Khatiwada said primary health service would be made available throughout the country.

The government has allocated Rs 4 billion for establishment of health posts in all the local levels within two years. At least a doctor would be posted in each local level.