KATHMANDU: In a move to address the healthcare needs of the country’s aging population, the government has expanded geriatric health services across the country, introducing new provisions to support senior citizens.
As part of the initiative for fiscal year 2024-25, healthcare services tailored to seniors are now available at 64 institutions, including Doti Hospital in Doti and Mangalsen Hospital in Achham.
Under new guidelines for geriatric health services, the government aims to ease the financial burden of healthcare for older citizens, offering tiered discounts based on age, physical disability, and economic status.
Senior citizens aged 60 to 69 will receive a 50% discount on select healthcare services, while those aged 70 to 79 will be eligible for a 75% discount.
For seniors aged 80 to 84, the discount rises to 100%, with those aged 85 and above receiving all hospital services free of charge.
However, the guidelines specify that these discounts apply only to general ward services. Patients opting for private wards or cabins will not benefit from the reduced costs.
This initiative marks a critical step toward addressing the health challenges of Nepal’s aging population, with the government aiming to improve access to essential healthcare for its most vulnerable citizens.
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