Health Insurance Services from Private Institutions to be Suspended from June 1

Kathmandu. Health insurance services provided by private health institutions affiliated with the government's health insurance program will be suspended from June 1.

The Health Insurance Board has decided to stop all services except emergencies provided by private health institutions, citing the growing financial crisis as the main reason.

The decision was made at a meeting of the board held on May 28. According to Shakuntala Prajapati, the acting executive director of the board, this arrangement will remain in effect until further notice.

Why was such a decision taken?

In a letter issued to private hospitals, the board stated that this step has been taken in view of the growing financial crisis of the Health Insurance Board. The board has stated that due to the increasing liability of payments to hospitals under the insurance program and the lack of sufficient funds in the treasury, the board has temporarily halted collaboration with the private sector.

What will be the impact on the general public?

With this decision, regular treatment services, including OPD, provided by using insurance cards in private hospitals, medical colleges, and nursing homes across the country affiliated with the government's health insurance program will be stopped from June 1. However, emergency services will continue to be available under insurance even in private hospitals.

All services under health insurance will continue to operate as usual in government hospitals. With the suspension of services in private hospitals, the patient load in government hospitals is certain to increase.