Lalitpur Mayor Pledges Municipal Payment if Government Fails to Reimburse Health Insurance Claims

Lalitpur. Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan has pledged that the Metropolitan City itself will cover the insurance payments if the Nepal government fails to reimburse for the health program being operated in collaboration with Patan Hospital. He made this statement while addressing the 18th anniversary program of Patan Academy of Health Sciences.

Mayor Maharjan drew the government's attention to the operational problems faced by the hospital due to non-payment of insurance dues. He mentioned that if a situation arises where services must be halted due to non-payment, he would bear the direct responsibility and criticism.

Metropolitan Chief Maharjan clarified that the Metropolitan City would fulfill the liability if the Government of Nepal grants permission through an official letter or entrusts the payment responsibility to the Metropolis. Mayor Maharjan also informed that a new health center is being established based on the technical advice and suggestions from Patan Hospital, and this center will be operational in the near future.

According to him, once this center is operational, city residents will receive quality services through the National Health Insurance Board, and this collaboration between Lalitpur Metropolitan City and Patan Hospital will serve as an exemplary practice for the other 753 local levels across the country.

He stated, ‘We are building another health center installing facilities exactly as per the advice and suggestions of Patan Hospital. We are going to open it in the near future. After it opens, we will be able to provide very good services under the National Health Insurance Board. The work we have initiated through the collaboration between Lalitpur Metropolitan City and Patan Hospital has become a good practice for all 753 local levels in the country.

He further added, ‘What I hear now is that the Nepal government is not paying the money. When discussing insurance, I feel dizzy talking to the Minister. If, by any chance, this health center has to be closed due to non-payment by the Nepal government, I will be the one to receive the most criticism. Please make the payments due to Patan Hospital on time. They are facing problems. If, by any chance, the Nepal government issues a letter asking the Lalitpur Metropolitan City to make this payment for now, I will make the payment. Whatever happens, happens.’

Mayor Maharjan stated that among the 752 local levels, Lalitpur Metropolitan City has succeeded in becoming an exemplary municipality. -News Agency Nepal