JUMLA: The Health Insurance Programme initiated by the government has gained significant traction among the residents of Jumla.

Increased awareness about the program’s advantages has led to a surge in participation, with a total of 90,411 individuals, including 45,724 females and 44,687 males, enrolling across eight local levels, including one municipality.

With the total population of Jumla recorded at 118,349 according to the National Census 2021, the high enrollment numbers signify a substantial portion of the population benefiting from the health insurance initiative.

Prem Bhandari, Chief of the District-based Health Insurance Office, revealed that the programme covers 11,648 households in the district within the Karnali Population.

Launched in 2074 BS, the programme initially faced challenges in garnering interest among the locals due to limited understanding of its benefits.

However, efforts by insurance agents to provide comprehensive information about the scheme have resulted in a notable increase in beneficiaries.

The office is actively collaborating with local authorities to enhance citizens’ access to the programme, demonstrating a concerted effort towards improving healthcare coverage in the region.

Furthermore, individuals belonging to specific vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities, physical impairments, leprosy patients, HIV-infected individuals, senior citizens, and disadvantaged households, are exempt from paying insurance premiums.

The government’s launch of the programme in 2072 BS reflects its commitment to expanding healthcare services and ensuring inclusivity in healthcare access across the nation.