PARBAT: The only well-equipped provincial hospital in Parbat is struggling due to long delays in receiving health insurance payments, with over Rs 30 million pending from the government.
Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. Dhundiraj Poudel said the non-payment, including amounts for dialysis and other services, has significantly affected the hospital’s operations since the last fiscal year.
Dr. Poudel explained that delays in payments have disrupted the procurement of medicines and medical equipment, payment of staff salaries and allowances, and management of routine services. Despite repeated requests, the hospital has not received any response from the authorities.
“Patients with health insurance come even for minor issues, and we are obliged to provide services. The ministry’s delay is creating difficulties in delivering essential medicines, lab services, and support materials,” he said.
Currently, about 45 percent of health insurance beneficiaries in the district rely on the hospital. While the government sets insurance payouts for all hospitals, Parbat’s hospital struggles to receive the funds annually, according to Hospital Management Committee Chairman Ya Bahadur Pariyar.
He noted that the insurance system allows families paying Rs 3,500 premiums to receive coverage of Rs 100,000 for five members, with additional contributions providing up to Rs 200,000 per year for larger families.
A memorandum requesting immediate payment was submitted to Health and Population Minister Dr. Sudha Gautam during her recent visit to the hospital. Minister Gautam acknowledged that hospitals nationwide face similar challenges due to delayed insurance payments and assured that the government is exploring budgetary solutions to address the issue.
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