Develop action plan for health insurance reform: PM

Kathmandu, January 19 — Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has instructed the Ministry of Health and Population to create an action plan for health insurance reforms as soon as possible, based on the recommendations of the Health Insurance Reform Task Force.

After a briefing on the task force's report and suggestions at his official residence in Baluwatar today, Prime Minister Oli emphasized the need to educate citizens with the goal of building a healthy Nepal and ensuring that no one is denied treatment due to financial constraints.

He stated that the task force’s suggestions, which included an objective review of the health insurance program, should be implemented with practical changes. He directed the ministry to come up with a detailed action plan within a week to improve the program.

Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel, task force coordinator Dr. Shambhu Acharya, members Dr. Bhagwan Koirala, Dr. Raghuram Khafle, and member-secretary Dr. Saroj Sharma briefed the Prime Minister about the need for policy, legal, and structural changes in the health insurance program.

Currently, around NPR 11 billion remains unpaid under the program. About 27% of the total population is enrolled in the scheme, and 48% of them have used the services. The task force has recommended making participation in the program mandatory for all citizens and providing free health services to those living below the poverty line.

Additionally, the task force has suggested integrating the health insurance program with basic health services and other social security schemes.