KALIKOT: The Karnali Province Government has placed the health sector at the centre of its budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84 (2026/27), unveiling a series of programmes aimed at improving healthcare services, expanding infrastructure and strengthening community-based health initiatives.
Presenting the budget at the Provincial Assembly on Monday, Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Rajiv Bikram Shahi outlined a range of health-focused priorities, including the upgrading of rural health centres, enhanced incentives for Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), continuation of maternity nutrition allowances, and improved rescue and referral services for pregnant women and mothers facing childbirth complications.
Minister Shahi announced the continuation of maternity nutrition allowances provided through public health institutions and said incentives for health volunteers would be doubled in recognition of their contribution to rural healthcare. The annual incentive for volunteers has been increased to Rs 24,000.
The budget also prioritises the digitisation of records across health institutions, strengthening of healthcare services based on patient needs, expansion of physical infrastructure and enhancement of services at basic hospitals. Laboratory facilities at provincial and local hospitals will also be upgraded.
To improve access to healthcare, the provincial government has allocated funds for the management of human resources, medical equipment and health infrastructure. Free blood transfusion services for poor and senior citizens will be ensured at provincial hospitals in coordination with the Nepal Red Cross Society.
The budget also includes plans to expand kidney dialysis services at Dailekh District Hospital.
A total of Rs 25 million has been allocated for the treatment of patients suffering from chronic illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, anaemia, rickets, sickle cell anaemia, spinal injuries, head injuries and autism.
The government has also announced community-level screening programmes for non-communicable diseases, targeting senior citizens, single women and persons with disabilities.
According to Minister Shahi, Rs 43.9 million has been allocated for programmes such as e-health services, telemedicine specialist consultations, health camps, oncology services and burn treatment facilities.
Similarly, Rs 73 million has been earmarked for the procurement of medical equipment, including facilities for expanding dental services and other essential healthcare technologies.
Other key health initiatives include strengthening the operation of basic health centres in coordination with local governments, promoting yoga, meditation, healthy lifestyles and psychosocial well-being, launching the “Broader Karnali Health Campaign,” and developing Karnali as a health tourism hub.
The budget also prioritises the establishment of Ayurvedic medicine centres, formulation of relevant laws, preservation and promotion of traditional knowledge and skills, integration of alternative medicine services, expansion of psychosocial counselling and rehabilitation services, and efforts to control non-communicable diseases.
Minister Shahi said awareness campaigns would be launched to encourage positive social behaviour, while reducing maternal and infant mortality remains a major priority.
To support nutrition programmes for children, adolescents and pregnant women, the provincial government has allocated Rs 65.9 million for supplementary nutrition schemes.
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