MP Karki accuses Health Minister of neglecting health insurance program

Kathmandu, February 24 — Rashtriya Swatantra Party MP Toshima Karki has accused Health and Population Minister Pradeep Poudel of neglecting the health insurance program.

While speaking in the House of Representatives on Monday, Karki claimed that Minister Poudel had promised to increase the health insurance limit to 500,000 rupees but is now using a lack of budget as an excuse to avoid taking action.

She accused the minister of making ambitious promises without follow-through.

Karki also suggested that Minister Poudel and his family should make health insurance mandatory for themselves and the ministry, given that he had sought credit for launching the program when it was running smoothly but is now letting it languish. 

She said, "Minister, you promised to raise the health insurance limit to 500,000 rupees, and now you're saying it can't be done due to budget issues. It's surprising to hear that from a health minister who once took credit when the program was running, but now abandons it when it’s not. If your advisors are not able to help, we are ready to offer suggestions. Let’s restart the health insurance program—let’s begin with your family and ministry.”

Karki emphasized the need to revive the health insurance program.