NBL and Sigma Diagnostics Sign Health Service Agreement
23rd February 2026, Kathmandu
The financial and healthcare sectors in the Bagmati Province have witnessed a significant collaboration as Nepal Bank Limited (NBL), the first bank of Nepal, officially entered into a memorandum of understanding with Sigma Diagnostics Laboratory Private Limited. On February 20, 2026 (Falgun 8, 2082), a formal ceremony was held to sign the Nepal Bank Sigma Diagnostics Agreement, which aims to provide substantial financial relief to the bank’s vast network of stakeholders through subsidized medical testing. This partnership is a strategic component of the bank’s value added service initiative, designed to offer benefits that go beyond conventional banking transactions. By focusing on health and diagnostics, Nepal Bank is addressing a critical need for its employees and customers, particularly in the Bhaktapur region, where accessible and affordable laboratory services are essential for public health management
NBL and Sigma Diagnostics
The agreement was signed at the Nepal Bank head office by Nirmal Subedi, the Head of the Marketing and Research Division, and Ved Prakash Mishra, the Director of Sigma Diagnostics Laboratory. Under the terms of this collaboration, a tiered discount structure has been established, ranging from 20 percent to as high as 50 percent on a wide array of pathology and diagnostic services. These concessions are specifically available to three categories of beneficiaries: all valid account holders of Nepal Bank, current employees of the bank, and the immediate family members of those employees. To ensure the integrity of the transaction and to align with the national goal of a less-cash economy, the discounts are strictly applicable only when the payment is made through Nepal Bank’s digital channels, such as mobile banking, QR code payments, or debit and credit cards.
Sigma Diagnostics Laboratory, located in Radhe Radhe, Bhaktapur, is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a comprehensive range of medical tests, including hematology, biochemistry, immunology, and microbiology. For Nepal Bank customers, the 20 to 50 percent discount can lead to significant savings on routine checkups as well as specialized diagnostic panels. In a country where medical expenses are often paid out-of-pocket, such a partnership acts as a form of social protection. For instance, a standard full body checkup or a complex hormone panel that might cost several thousand rupees will now be much more accessible, encouraging proactive health monitoring rather than reactive treatment. This focus on preventive healthcare is expected to improve the long-term health indicators of the bank’s community.
From a strategic perspective, the Nepal Bank Sigma Diagnostics Agreement serves multiple organizational objectives. First, it strengthens customer loyalty in a highly competitive banking market. When account holders realize that their banking relationship provides them with tangible savings at a high-quality medical laboratory, they are more likely to maintain their balances and use the bank as their primary financial provider. Second, it serves as an excellent employee wellness program. By extending these benefits to the family members of staff, the bank is fostering a supportive corporate culture that values the well-being of its workforce. This can lead to higher employee retention and improved morale, which are vital for the operational success of a large-scale institution like Nepal Bank.
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Furthermore, the emphasis on digital payments within the agreement is a deliberate move to support the digital transformation of Nepal’s financial system. By making the discount contingent upon electronic transactions, Nepal Bank is incentivizing its customers to move away from cash. This not only reduces the bank’s cash handling costs but also promotes transparency and financial inclusion. As more people in Bhaktapur and the surrounding areas start using QR codes at medical facilities, it builds a digital footprint that can later assist them in accessing credit and other formal financial services. The collaboration thus serves as a model for how traditional banks can partner with modern healthcare providers to create a holistic ecosystem that benefits the economy and the individual alike.
The implementation of this agreement is being closely monitored by the bank’s marketing department to ensure that the promised discounts are delivered seamlessly at the point of service. Customers are advised to carry their Nepal Bank identity markers, such as a debit card or the mobile banking app on their smartphones, when visiting the Sigma Diagnostics facility in Radhe Radhe. The laboratory has committed to maintaining high standards of clinical accuracy and data privacy, ensuring that the diagnostic reports are delivered through secure digital means whenever possible. This synergy between a trusted financial giant and a modern diagnostic center represents a forward-thinking approach to corporate social responsibility, where the focus is on sustainable and impactful community engagement.
In conclusion, the Nepal Bank Sigma Diagnostics Agreement is a landmark development that successfully merges financial services with healthcare affordability. With discounts reaching up to 50 percent for digital transactions, the partnership provides a compelling reason for customers to stay healthy while staying digital. As the bank continues to expand its network of service partners, this agreement sets a high standard for how corporate entities can contribute to the public good. For the residents of Bhaktapur and the employees of Nepal Bank, the collaboration ensures that quality diagnostic support is never out of reach due to financial constraints. The success of this initiative will likely pave the way for similar healthcare partnerships across all provinces of Nepal in the coming years.
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