KATHMANDU: Starting October 18, poor citizens suffering from eight types of serious illnesses will receive integrated benefits only if they are enrolled in the national health insurance program.
Currently, patients with heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal injuries, head injuries, and sickle cell anemia are eligible for these benefits. However, moving forward, only those affiliated with the Health Insurance Board will be able to access them.
The Ministry of Health and Population is implementing this provision as part of its decision to streamline social health security programs under a single-door system.
To facilitate this shift, the ministry recently approved the ‘Indigent Citizen Drug Treatment Program Operation Directive, 2080 (First Amendment 2082)’. As per the revised directive, all payments for treatment benefits under the program will now be made through the Health Insurance Board.
Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki stated that since the benefits will now be accessible only through the health insurance system, all poor citizens who are currently receiving services—or intend to receive them—must enroll in health insurance.
“We have requested that all current patients register with the insurance program by mid-October to ensure uninterrupted services,” he said. “This new arrangement is aimed at consolidating fragmented programs under a unified system and ensuring the efficient use of state resources.”
To support the transition, letters have already been sent to the Health Insurance Board and the Nursing and Social Security Division, instructing them to facilitate the registration of existing beneficiaries by the mid-October deadline, Dr. Budhathoki added.
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