Government hospitals must not stop the health insurance program: Minister Paudel

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – Minister of Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, has made it clear that government hospitals do not have the authority to suspend the health insurance program. Speaking with journalists in Chitwan on Monday, Minister Paudel issued this warning.

According to him, any government hospital that decides to halt the health insurance program will have its registration renewal process halted. The minister informed that although there have been delays in insurance claim payments, the process to resolve these issues is already underway.

"Just yesterday, payments amounting to four billion rupees were made," said Minister Paudel. He added that preparations are underway to clear the remaining amount within the current fiscal year.

Highlighting that the government has given special priority to the health insurance scheme, he emphasized the need to bring various insurance systems operated by different entities under a single structure. According to him, the government is moving forward with plans to integrate and coordinate insurance services run by the Social Security Fund, Provident Fund, Citizens Investment Trust, the Nepal Army, and the Nepal Police.

Minister Paudel also acknowledged that budget constraints have posed challenges in implementing the health insurance program, but stated that the government is making efforts to manage it effectively. “Last year’s budget allocated NPR 7.5 billion for the insurance program,” he said, “but to operate the program effectively, around NPR 100 billion is needed. Managing that funding is today’s key challenge.