The medical treatment of civil servants will now be through the Health Insurance Board

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu:The medical treatment of government civil servants and their family members will now be provided through the Health Insurance Board.

According to a new provision in the Federal Civil Service Bill, civil servants will now be able to access health services under a contribution-based health insurance scheme.

The Civil Service Bill introduced during Anita Devi’s tenure as the Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration had included a provision stating that

"civil servants of the Government of Nepal and their family members will be enrolled in a contribution-based health insurance scheme through the Social Security Fund established under prevailing laws for medical treatment."

This provision was retained by the House of Representatives.The National Assembly's Legislative Management Committee had discussed the Civil Service Bill. Following the discussion, it was decided that "civil servants and their family members will be enrolled in a contribution-based health insurance scheme through the Health Insurance Board, which is established under prevailing health insurance laws, for medical treatment."

Following concerns raised by Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, the ministry formally suggested that the Health Insurance Board would be more appropriate for the civil servants and their families. Accordingly, the committee made the amendment.

As per the revised bill, the health insurance scheme operated under the prevailing health insurance laws will now be implemented for the treatment of civil servants. This is expected to ease access to medical treatment for government employees and improve their access to healthcare services.