Kathmandu, May 29 – The authorities have unveiled proposals to overhaul Nepal’s national health insurance scheme, recognizing its present limitations and committing to legal and organizational changes aimed at enhancing its efficiency and durability.
On Wednesday, during the joint session of Parliament, Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel unveiled the budget plan for the fiscal year 2025-26. He emphasized that the Health Insurance Act would be implemented more strictly, focusing particularly on enhancing organizational discipline, preventing leaks, and improving the quality of services provided.
In order to enhance both the effectiveness and coverage of the program, the administration intends to progressively raise the maximum allowable benefits for those covered under the plan. Furthermore, several public wellness programs will be incorporated into the healthcare insurance framework to ensure better allocation of resources.
Insured individuals will have the option to select various insurance policies according to their requirements, whereas steps will be taken to ensure there is no overlap and to stop the improper use of these services.
Paudel affirmed that current health insurance coverage will remain intact for elderly individuals, those with disabilities, Dalit populations, economically disadvantaged groups, and ethnic minorities.
The program has received an allocation of Rs 10 billion for the next financial year. Additionally, outstanding insurance claim payments will undergo verification via independent audits and will be resolved within this fiscal year.
The budget address also tackled the financial hurdles encountered by the Health Insurance Board. Owing to reimbursement lags, numerous hospitals nationwide have suspended particular services within the program, leading to pressing demands for restructuring.
