PM Oli directs action plan for health insurance reform

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the Ministry of Health and Population to develop an action plan based on submissions from the Task Force on Health Insurance Reform.

During a briefing on the report and recommendations by the Task Force at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar today, the Prime Minister emphasised that no one should be deprived of healthcare services due to lack of money during illness. He also highlighted the importance of working towards a disease-free society.

Stating that the Task Force’s recommendations on the health insurance programme were objective, the Prime Minister instructed the Ministry to present an action plan for reform within a week.

Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, Task Force coordinator Dr Shambhu Acharya, members Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Dr Raghuram Kafle, and member secretary Dr Saroj Sharma briefed the Prime Minister on the need for policy, legal, and structural changes in the health insurance programme.

Currently, around Rs 11 billion in payments are pending under the programme. Of the total population, 27% is enrolled, with 48% of them receiving services. The Task Force recommended that the government make participation in the programme mandatory for all citizens, ensuring free services for those living below the absolute poverty line.

Additionally, the Task Force suggested integrating basic health services with other social security programmes. The Task Force submitted its report to the Ministry on December 29, 2024.

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