Service to be launched within a month, a system where insurance benefits can be taken from any hospital will be implemented

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu. The government has made significant amendments to the health insurance regulations, creating a system that will make it easier for citizens to access services. From now on, the requirement to obtain a referral from the first point of service to avail insurance benefits has been removed.

Until now, if someone had designated a local hospital as the first point of service for their insurance in their village or town, and later needed treatment in another city, such as Kathmandu, they were required to get a referral from the initially designated hospital. This cumbersome system had been criticized for a long time.

According to Health and Population Minister Paudel, a new rule has been introduced to address these issues and make the insurance system more practical. Now, no matter where insurance is taken in the country, treatment can be sought at any hospital that provides insurance benefits—without the hassle of referrals.

Additionally, the old system, which required a three-month waiting period to avail of services after obtaining insurance, has also been abolished. Now, services can be accessed within a month, making it easier and faster for citizens.

The government is now preparing to establish health insurance first points of service at all local levels. In the previous system, while insurance was available, the lack of hospitals offering services in all areas made it difficult for service users.

According to the secretariat of Minister Paudel, these reforms are expected to make basic healthcare services more accessible and provide citizens with treatment options in their own areas.