Preparation underway to add new primary service points for health insurance across the country’s local levels; directive issued to submit the proposal within a month

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu:In a bid to make the health insurance program more effective, accessible, and citizen-centric, the Health Insurance Board has initiated the process of adding new primary service points across all local levels of the country. For this purpose, local governments have been asked to submit details specifying which health service providers under their jurisdiction require primary service points.

Previously, some federal, specialized, and super-specialty hospitals were designated as primary service points. However, according to a recently released list, these hospitals will no longer serve as primary service points and will instead function solely as referral centers. After this change led to confusion and complaints among insured citizens, the board decided to expand services through local health institutions instead.

As per the revised provisions of the Health Insurance Act, 2074 (2017), each local level must have at least one health service provider designated as a primary service point. Accordingly, local governments have been requested to identify and submit information on which among their basic hospitals or primary health centers would be most suitable to serve as a primary service point.

Additionally, it has been mandated that any proposed service point must commit to fulfilling the required infrastructure, human resources, or other minimum standards within one month.

The Health Insurance Board stated that it will evaluate the submitted details and commitments before making a decision to add new primary service points. It is hoped that this decision will enable insured individuals to access quality health services more conveniently, affordably, and locally.