The Health Insurance Board's decision reversed, first point of service reinstated in 13 hospitals

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – The Health Insurance Board has begun reinstating 13 referral hospitals outside the Kathmandu Valley as temporary ‘First Point of Service (FPS)’ providers. Following the directive of the Ministry of Health, the Board has issued correspondence allowing these hospitals to continue offering initial insurance-covered treatments until the end of Ashoj (mid-October 2025).

Previously, the Board had decided to remove these major hospitals from the list of First Point of Service providers starting from 1st Shrawan 2082 (mid-July 2025). However, the decision caused confusion in hospitals located in areas like Dharan, Dhulikhel, Dang, and Pokhara.

Due to public concern and opposition, including from local governments, the Ministry intervened, prompting the reversal of the decision.

According to Information Officer Bikesh Mall, these 13 hospitals will now temporarily remain as FPS providers until the end of Ashoj. Local governments have also been requested to establish separate hospitals for a long-term solution.

The 13 reinstated FPS hospitals are:

1. Koshi Hospital

2. BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan

3. Narayani Hospital, Birgunj

4. Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital, Rajbiraj

5. BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur

6. Bharatpur Hospital

7. Western Regional Hospital, Pokhara

8. GP Koirala Respiratory Centre, Tanahun

9. Sushil Koirala Prakhar Cancer Hospital, Banke

10. Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj

11. Rapti Institute of Health Sciences, Dang

12. Karnali Institute of Health Sciences, Jumla

13. Dadeldhura Hospital

Health Minister Pradeep Paudel shared the update via social media, stating that this step was taken to address the disarray seen in the health insurance service. He clarified that the temporary arrangement was made specifically for areas where FPS access was lacking.

Minister Paudel emphasized the government’s policy to ensure at least one FPS provider in every local level. He reaffirmed the commitment to expand necessary infrastructure in cooperation with provincial and local governments. He also welcomed public feedback and suggestions to make the health insurance system more effective, accessible, and sustainable.