Government Allocates 101.95 Billion Rupees to Health Sector in FY 2083/084

Kathmandu. The government has given high priority to the health sector through the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. It has adopted a policy to make health services, which are a fundamental right of ordinary citizens, accessible, quality, and effective.

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle informed during the budget speech for the fiscal year 2083/084 presented in the Federal Parliament that a total of 101.95 billion rupees has been allocated for the health sector.

This budget has made the expansion of basic health services, construction of hospital infrastructure, and strengthening of health insurance its main working direction.

With the goal of making a leap in health services through the budget, the government has announced the completion of 336 under-construction basic hospitals within the next three years.

For this work, 5.90 billion rupees have been set aside, and for hospitals whose construction is yet to begin, the process will be advanced through scientific mapping.

To make the health insurance program more effective, the government has allocated 15 billion rupees, with a policy to bring 90 percent of Nepalis under insurance coverage within the next three years and to adopt a single payment system by integrating scattered social security programs.

With the objective of directly benefiting patients, the budget has made arrangements for the free treatment of childhood cancer in government hospitals.

Similarly, to reduce dependence on medicines and ease the supply of medicines, Nepal Drug Limited will be enabled to produce at least 25 types of essential medicines. Ambitious plans have been included in the budget, such as starting the construction of a kidney treatment center and trauma center in Madhesh Province, and transforming the main government hospitals in all seven provinces into teaching hospitals and specialized service centers in phases.

To boost the morale of frontline health workers, the night duty allowance for nursing staff has been doubled, and the travel expenses for female health volunteers have been increased by 50 percent.

Promoting the use of technology, the 'One Citizen One Digital Profile' system will be implemented in all health institutions, and specialized services will be provided to remote areas through telemedicine and video consultation.

In addition, it is mentioned in the budget speech that a 'Food and Drug Administration' will be established for the effective regulation of food and medicines, and an integrated service center will be operated in Budhanilkantha to connect Ayurveda and natural therapy with health tourism.

The government has allocated 96.4363 billion rupees for the Ministry of Health and Population alone. In addition to the ministry's budget, health insurance and other health-related social security programs are also included.