npl977 >
NE
Health
The Rising Nepal | Nepal's First English Broadsheet Daily. HimalPress | English clickmandu ICT Frame | Tech News, Reviews & Digital Updates from Nepal
4 sources · 5 articles
Started 4 days ago · Updated 3 days ago

Finance Minister Wagle Announces Health Insurance Restructuring Amid Financial Concerns

Photo · risingnepaldaily.com

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle announced that the national health insurance program will be restructured in the upcoming fiscal year's budget due to financial unsustainability. Addressing the National Assembly's Development, Economic Affairs, and Good Governance Committee, he stated that claims have significantly exceeded allocations, leading to difficulties in payments and highlighting misuse within private hospitals. The proposed restructuring aims to ensure basic healthcare for the poor while introducing a contribution-based system for those who can afford it.

  • The current health insurance program is not sustainable, with claims reaching 25-30 billion rupees against a 10 billion rupee allocation last year.
  • Misuse and unnecessary tests, particularly in private hospitals, have contributed to the program's financial instability.
  • The government plans to 'right-size' the program, continuing to subsidize basic healthcare for the underprivileged.
  • Affluent citizens will be moved to a contribution-based insurance system, and the government is considering diverting 'sin taxes' to the fund.
  • Without structural changes, the health insurance system risks total collapse.

Timeline (5)

Share ↗
Related
Swarnim Wagle Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee National Assembly

More in Health

See all ›
Bird flu outbreak confirmed in Gokarneshwor Municipality, Kathmandu; high alert issued Bird flu outbreak confirmed in Gokarneshwor Municipality, Kathmandu; high alert issued

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in Wards 2, 3, and 4 of Gokarneshwor Municipality in Kathmandu. Authorities are implementing containment measures, including the culling and safe disposal of infected poultry, eggs, and feed, alongside disinfection drives in affected areas to prevent further spread.

8 articles · 15 hours ago
Parliamentarian Alleges Billions in Pharmaceutical Pricing Irregularities; DDA Director Recalled Parliamentarian Alleges Billions in Pharmaceutical Pricing Irregularities; DDA Director Recalled

Member of Parliament Rajib Khatri alleged that the Department of Drug Administration (DDA) engaged in irregularities leading to billions of rupees in pharmaceutical price increases. Following his parliamentary speech, the DDA's Director General was recalled to the Ministry of Health and Population. Medicine manufacturers contend that current fixed prices are unsustainable due to rising industrial input costs.

3 articles · 17 hours ago
Government Prioritizes Arrears Clearance in Major Hospitals and Health Sector Reforms Government Prioritizes Arrears Clearance in Major Hospitals and Health Sector Reforms

The Ministry of Health and Population is prioritizing the clearance of over Rs 5 billion in arrears, primarily focusing on major hospitals like BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences and Bir Hospital. Secretary Bikash Devkota stated that a special review and targeted clearance mechanism will be implemented, with reforms in procurement and financial management being essential to reduce future arrears. The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers also emphasized the need for a structured action plan to significantly reduce arrears.

4 articles · 1 day ago
Veterinary Laboratory in Dhangadhi Designated National Rabies Referral Laboratory Veterinary Laboratory in Dhangadhi Designated National Rabies Referral Laboratory

The Veterinary Laboratory in Dhangadhi, Sudurpaschim Province, has been designated as the National Rabies Referral Laboratory. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has tasked the facility with collecting and testing suspected rabies samples nationwide and conducting related research. This expansion broadens the lab's scope from its previous regional focus.

4 articles · 1 day ago