Prime Minister Karki Pledges Government Action to Address Health Insurance Issues

Kathmandu. Prime Minister Sushila Karki has expressed the government's commitment to address the problems arising in health insurance by mobilizing necessary resources. Speaking at a discussion on health insurance at the Prime Minister's Office today, she stated that the government is committed to maintaining services even in the face of financial constraints, implementing a single-window system, ensuring strong regulation, and managing immediate resources.

Her clear message is that health insurance services must continue, even if it means taking loans or securing funds from other sources. "If services are not provided now, the public will question it on the streets. Resources must be mobilized," she said. "A single-window system must be implemented mandatorily. Regulation is necessary. Money is being spent, but treatment is not being received. What is happening where, that is not right."

Prime Minister Karki emphasized that health insurance benefits must continue for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, Dalits, the extremely poor, and minority communities. "The public has paid Rs 3,500. The government promised treatment up to Rs 100,000. But the inability to provide the required amount or service shows a serious lapse here," she said. "Currently, 1,617,085 insured individuals are receiving services, which is made possible by the taxes paid by three crore people. The service must reach the target groups."

Dr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha, Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission, who participated in the discussion, suggested that the premium rate should be based on age rather than being kept flat. He stated that resource management would be possible by integrating distribution-oriented welfare programs with the contribution-based Social Security Fund, thereby eliminating duplication.

Similarly, Juddha Bahadur Gurung, Chairman of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission, clarified that health insurance would not gain momentum without policy reforms and the elimination of duplication.