Finance Minister Wagle outlines major overhaul for health insurance

english.clickmandu.com · 5 days ago

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle announced a comprehensive restructuring of the national health insurance program, citing its current financial unsustainability due to a massive funding gap between allocated funds and claims. The government plans a tiered structure, subsidizing basic healthcare for the underprivileged while requiring more affluent citizens to join a contributory system. "Sin taxes" from tobacco and alcohol may also be diverted to the fund. Dr. Wagle also expressed concerns about the escalating costs of the Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project, which has seen projected costs rise significantly, prompting exploration for new investors and counting land compensation as state equity. The upcoming budget will prioritize near-completion water supply projects and develop the Ram-Janaki circuit for religious and tourist purposes, with plans to strengthen the Janakpur-Ayodhya connection.