Contribution-based participation in health insurance is essential: Minister Paudel

Nepal Health News, Nepalgunj: Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, has indicated the implementation of a new model for Nepal’s health insurance system, emphasizing citizen participation to ensure its sustainability and public accountability.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Burn Treatment Ward and Surgical Wing at Bheri Hospital, as well as during the handover program of free vaccines for sickle cell and thalassemia patients, Minister Paudel clarified that the current insurance system is unsustainable in the long term. He stated, “Citizens who are able to contribute will now be included in the insurance responsibility, to reduce the state’s burden and make services more effective.”

Minister Paudel also shared plans for a policy-level restructuring of the insurance system within the current fiscal year. He reaffirmed the ministry’s continued efforts in upgrading and specializing Bheri Hospital, which remains a federal government priority.

Highlighting recent service improvements, Minister Paudel described the launch of the burn ward as a “significant achievement,” noting that the addition of seven new programs and the restructuring of 13 existing services at Bheri Hospital have substantially improved service quality. He expressed the need for further expansion of hospital services to better serve patients in western Nepal.

Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Bikash Devkota added that the government is actively working to expand specialized health services across all public hospitals. Emphasizing efforts to make surgical services quicker and more accessible, Dr. Devkota stressed the importance of delivering top-level services despite structural and equipment-related challenges.

The program was chaired by Bheri Hospital Development Committee President Birendra Bahadur Shah, while Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. Nirajan Subedi presented a report on the hospital’s service improvements over the past four months. Dr. Dakt Prasad Dhital served as a member of the program’s organizing committee.

Key Highlights (Summary):

• Emphasis on public participation in health insurance

• Launch of Burn Ward and Surgical Wing at Bheri Hospital

• 7 new service programs introduced, 13 restructured

• Bheri Hospital designated as a government priority

• Focused plan to improve service quality