SURKHET: People of Karnali Province now have health insurance coverage which has been promoted by the government.

In the 19 months since the programme was launched in the province, a total of 139,520 people have joined the scheme, according to the Health Insurance Board.

The programme had kicked off from Jumla on the first day of the fiscal year 2017/18. It has now covered Jajarkot, Surkhet, Rukum-West and Kalikot districts.

According to Health Insurance Board's Karnali Coordinator Arjun Pandit, so far 35, 519 have taken benefits from their health insurance coverage in the state. As per their insurance claim, Rs 44 million has already been paid.

The Board had also collected Rs 47 million as contributions for the insurance scheme from all service recipients.

Meanwhile, the board is planning to extend the scheme to Humla, Dolpa, Mugu and Dailekh districts in the current fiscal year, added Pandit.