Historic Leap in Health: 14 Major Initiatives in the Policy and Program

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu — In the fiscal year 2082/83, President Ram Chandra Paudel, while presenting the government’s policies and programs in the Federal Parliament, gave special priority to the health sector.

To bring the concept of a “Healthy Nepal” into concrete reality, the government has proposed several innovative and impactful programs. Below are the key health-related initiatives:

1. Establishment of a state-of-the-art Neuroscience Center in Kathmandu
   A National Neuroscience Center will be established in Kathmandu for the treatment of brain, spinal cord, and mental health-related illnesses. This center will be equipped with advanced technology and specialist services.

2. Serious illnesses to be covered under health insurance
   The government has decided to include severe diseases under the health insurance program, providing relief to thousands of patients who are currently deprived of treatment due to financial burdens.

3. Restructuring of the Insurance Board
   To enhance the effectiveness and transparency of health insurance, the institutional restructuring of the Insurance Board will be carried out.

4. Launch of integrated health service system
   An integrated health service system will be implemented nationwide to improve service quality, eliminate duplication, and increase accessibility.

5. Domestic production of essential medicines
   Incentives will be provided to produce essential medicines within Nepal, aiming to reduce dependence on imports and cut costs.

6. General Nursing Program to address workforce shortage
   To address the shortage of healthcare professionals, a General Nursing Program will be launched with the goal of delivering services at the local level.

7. Drafting of Federal Health Services Act and Quality Accreditation Act
   To legally strengthen the health service system, the Federal Health Services Act and the National Quality Accreditation Act will be formulated.

8. Expansion of burn treatment services to all provinces
   Intensive burn treatment services will be expanded to all seven provinces to ensure timely treatment of burn victims.

9. Specialist services in remote areas
   To ensure access to healthcare, specialist services will be operated in remote districts in collaboration with medical colleges and institutions.

10. Falgun month designated as 'Non-Communicable Disease Screening Month'
    The government has declared the month of Falgun as a special month for screening and counseling on non-communicable diseases — a significant step in public health.

11. Expansion of cancer and kidney treatment services
    Cancer treatment services and kidney transplant programs will be expanded across all seven provinces, including infrastructure and manpower development.

12. Free cancer treatment for children under 14
    The government will provide free cancer treatment for children under 14 as a step toward social justice in health.

13. Free HPV vaccine – a shield against cervical cancer
    To protect women’s health, the HPV vaccine will be provided free of cost and included in the regular immunization program.

14. Expanded health insurance to cover more serious and specialized services
    The new policy expands health insurance coverage to include more serious illnesses, specialized treatments, and long-term care services.

15. Conclusion: From policy to implementation
    These initiatives reflect a clear commitment to making Nepal’s health system modern, accessible, and inclusive. What is now essential is quality implementation, strong political commitment, and active public participation.