New guideline introduced for free treatment of targeted groups, services from consultation to surgery covered

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has introduced a new guideline aimed at ensuring that citizens from targeted groups can access free healthcare services in an easy and dignified manner.

Issued through a ministerial decision, the “Targeted Group Free Treatment Portal (Operation and Management) Guideline, 2083” is expected to make the management of free treatment services more systematic across hospitals nationwide.

According to the guideline approved by Health Minister Nisha Mehta, all hospitals operating legally in the country must reserve at least 10 percent of their approved bed capacity for poor, helpless, and abandoned patients. No fees of any kind may be charged to patients receiving treatment under these reserved beds.

The guideline further stipulates that beneficiaries of the free treatment program must receive the same quality of care and treatment as paying patients. Hospitals are required to provide all necessary health services free of charge, including bed facilities, doctor consultations, surgical procedures, laboratory tests, medicines, and other treatment-related services.

In addition to inpatient care, hospitals may also provide free treatment to at least 10 percent of patients through outpatient (OPD) services as needed.

To qualify for free treatment, patients must submit proof that they belong to the targeted category. Accepted documents include a poverty identification card issued by the Government of Nepal, a recommendation from the local government, or, in the case of abandoned patients, a recommendation from the police or local administration.

In emergency situations, patients may receive services by completing a self-declaration form. However, the required supporting documents must be submitted before discharge from the hospital.

According to the ministry, the Free Treatment Portal has been launched to make the program more technology-friendly, transparent, and accountable. The portal is expected to integrate service delivery, record-keeping, and monitoring systems, making the implementation of free healthcare services more effective and efficient.