Kathmandu, November 24

Social Health Security Development Committee has planned to increase the amount the government will cover under its health insurance scheme. The amount is likely to be increased to one lakh rupees.

Earlier, the government provided treatment cost up to Rs 50,000 of any member of the insurer’’s family. “Discount will also be provided on the premium amount to be paid by the insurer if no insurance amount is claimed within a year. The move is aimed at attracting more people towards the government’’s health insurance scheme,” said Dr Guna Raj Lohani, executive director, Social Health Security Development Committee.

The Ministry of Health had launched health insurance programme in Baglung, Ilam and Kailali districts as a pilot project last year.

The Health Insurance Act, 2017 requires all citizens to get his/her health insured. The act also envisages bringing persons living in old age homes and orphanages under the health insurance scheme.

Civil servants and people going abroad for foreign employment are also required to get their health insured. Similarly, any organisation established under the prevailing laws should involve their employees in the health insurance scheme.