Health insurance scheme reaches all wards in Taplejung

Health insurance programme has been launched at all 61 wards in Taplejung district. The scheme has been launched in six districts including Taplejung at once coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the Health Insurance Board (HIB), said Durga Prasad Acharya, coordinator of the HIB, Province 1. Other districts where the programme has been introduced are Dolakha, Bara, Sarlahi, Manang and Mustang. 

So far, the scheme has reached 75 districts. A helper to register personal details of the beneficiaries has been selected for each ward and from Thursday, an orientation programme has been launched for them, he said. There are altogether 61 wards at nine local levels in Taplejung district. 

The helper is tasked with visiting the beneficiaries at all wards and making aware them about the importance of being insured. The helper would do its job from coming Sunday, he said. 

To be covered by the insurance scheme, a family of five members has to pay Rs 3,500 annually. Additional Rs 700 per member is required for a family of more than five members. The scheme is free or up to 50 percent fees are charged for absolute impoverished family, female community health volunteers, HIV infected people, people suffering from leprosy, tuberculosis patients, people with disabilities and senior citizens. Approximately 127,461 people in Taplejung are expected to directly benefit from the scheme, said the District Health Office.