19th January 2025, Kathmandu
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the Ministry of Health and Population to quickly develop an action plan for reforming the country’s health insurance system.
Nepal Government Health Insurance Reform
This decision follows the recommendations and report from the Health Insurance Reform Task Force.
Health Education and Access to Treatment are Priorities
In a briefing at his official residence in Baluwatar, Prime Minister Oli stressed the importance of educating the population to achieve a healthier Nepal.
He also emphasized that no citizen should be denied medical treatment due to a lack of financial resources.
Task Force Provides Key Recommendations
The Task Force provided a thorough review and a set of recommendations to improve the health insurance program.
Prime Minister Oli instructed the Ministry to make necessary adjustments to the current system, ensuring the program is more practical and effective. He urged the Ministry to present the action plan within a week.
Policy, Legal, and Structural Reforms Needed
Health and Population Minister Pradeep Poudel, along with Task Force members Dr. Shambhu Acharya, Dr. Bhagwan Koirala, Dr. Raghuram Kafle, and Dr. Saroj Sharma, briefed the Prime Minister on the need for policy, legal, and structural reforms in the health insurance program.
Recommendations for Mandatory Enrollment and Free Healthcare
Currently, only 27% of Nepal’s total population is enrolled in the health insurance scheme, with just 48% of those enrolled actively utilizing the available healthcare services. This highlights the need for broader participation and more effective use of the system.
The Task Force recommended making enrollment mandatory for all citizens and providing free health services for individuals living below the poverty line. These suggestions aim to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their financial status, can access necessary healthcare services.
For more: Nepal Government Health Insurance Reform