MP Malla Criticizes Finance Minister's Statement on Health Insurance Program

Kathmandu. Opposition party Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) lawmaker Ramesh Malla has objected to Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle's statement that the health insurance program cannot be run in its current state. He expressed anger that the government, which was formed to arrange free health treatment, is saying that the health insurance program cannot be operated. Speaking in the House of Representatives meeting on Thursday, lawmaker Malla pressured the government to immediately arrange the health insurance program, which has been completely shut down at Salyan District Hospital. He also warned the government to send specialist doctors to Karnali. Stating that the government is not showing seriousness in solving the problems seen in the health sector, lawmaker Malla said, 'We had seriously raised the issue that health services are being affected due to the lack of specialist doctors at Salyan District Hospital. However, no concrete initiative has been taken by the government so far. Patients are forced to return home due to the inability to get even basic treatment there. Why is the government being so irresponsible about the health treatment in Karnali? The health insurance program is completely closed at the district hospital, but the Finance Minister is going around saying that such a program cannot be implemented.' He expressed sorrow that despite repeatedly requesting the Ministry of Health to send doctors to Karnali, there has been no response.