People receiving social security allowance to get free medical treatment

KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is set to provide free medical treatment to individuals receiving social security allowances.

The initiative covers senior citizens, single women, persons with disabilities, survivors of gender-based violence, and other vulnerable groups. According to KMC Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, the city has already signed an agreement with the Chhatrapati Free Clinic-Hospital for the current fiscal year to deliver these services.

KMC Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain said the program aims to ensure that needy citizens can access treatment without difficulty, and urged the hospital to prevent misuse of the service.

Under the agreement, KMC employees and elected representatives will also receive treatment services, including mammogram screenings for women staff and representatives. A recommendation from the Social Development Department will be required for gender-violence survivors, single women, persons with disabilities, and employees needing CT scans. The KMC will cover all associated costs.

The metropolitan city has allocated Rs 15 million for the program, and the hospital will contribute an additional 30 percent, bringing the total value of services to Rs 18 million.

To access the free treatment, KMC employees and representatives must present their official identity cards, while senior citizens must provide their social security allowance card, national identity card, or citizenship certificate.