ILAM: Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel has stated that hospitals will no longer be allowed to claim a lack of health insurance medicines as a reason for not providing them.
During his visit to Ilam Hospital today, Minister Paudel emphasized that medicines prescribed by the Health Insurance Board must be provided in hospitals without exception.
He remarked, “It is illegal to claim that medicines are unavailable.” Minister Paudel highlighted that the government and the Health Insurance Board have approved a list of 98 essential medicines, which should be mandatory for all hospitals.
The Minister further clarified that government hospitals are now prohibited from refusing to provide prescribed medicines due to a lack of stock, adding that the Ministry of Health has taken the necessary steps to ensure compliance.
While acknowledging some challenges in insurance management, Minister Paudel assured that improvements are being made.
He also mentioned that the Ministry of Health is working to upgrade district hospitals. Ilam Hospital Chief Dr. Prabhu Sah raised concerns about the shortage of doctors in line with official staffing requirements.
In response, Minister Paudel explained that he prefers to have doctors stationed in accessible locations.
He also announced that the government will now make it mandatory for doctors to remain at their assigned postings.
He pointed out that hospitals in the Terai currently have twice as many doctors as required, and steps will be taken to ensure doctors remain at the locations designated by the government.
Minister Paudel also stressed that hospitals and health posts should only demand resources and support from the Ministry that are within their capacity.
He mentioned that district hospitals should request necessary infrastructure and equipment.
On the issue of MRI and CT scan facilities, he noted that it is not currently feasible to provide these at health posts, but demands should be made according to actual needs.
He emphasized the importance of coordination among all three levels of government.
Ilam Hospital submitted a written memorandum to Minister Paudel requesting additional information regarding the hospital’s physical infrastructure, as confirmed by hospital manager Kshitij Khatiwada.
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