KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel has announced that patients enrolled in Nepal’s health insurance program will now receive double the existing treatment support for eight critical illnesses.
In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, Minister Paudel said that patients suffering from cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, head injuries, spinal injuries, sickle cell anemia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s will be eligible for up to Rs 200,000 in treatment assistance, an increase from the current Rs 100,000.
This enhanced support will come into effect from Shrawan 1 (mid-July). According to Dr. Raghuraj Kafle, Executive Director of the Health Insurance Board, the decision was finalized during the board’s meeting on Tuesday night.
Minister Paudel had previously committed to improving health insurance coverage, including a policy allowing insured individuals to receive treatment from their local health facilities. The ministry has also taken steps to ensure that insurance services are available at all levels of the health system.
In addition to boosting support for patients, the ministry aims to increase both enrollment and funding for the health insurance program. The recent government policies mandate compulsory insurance for all government and organized sector employees, a provision long included in the Health Insurance Act but never fully enforced.
Efforts are also underway to enroll migrant workers and their families in the insurance program, with coordination among various ministries and local governments.
The government has already announced it will clear the Health Insurance Board’s outstanding dues through the new budget.
Furthermore, 1% of the income generated by federal hospital development committees will now be directed into the Health Insurance Fund. Minister Paudel also plans to increase contributions to the fund through progressive taxation.
These reforms are part of a broader strategy to make Nepal’s health insurance program more sustainable and inclusive.
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