PM directs for action plan on reform of health insurance

January 19, Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the Ministry of Health and Population to develop an action plan based on the submissions from the Task Force on Health Insurance Reform.

After a briefing on the report and recommendations by the Task Force at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar today, the Prime Minister stressed that no one should be deprived of healthcare services due to lack of money during illness.

He also highlighted the importance of working towards building a disease-free society. Stating the Task Force’s recommendations on the health insurance programme as objective, the Prime Minister directed the Ministry to present an action plan for reform within a week.

Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, Task Force coordinator Dr Shambhu Acharya, members Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Dr Raghuram Kafle, and member secretary Dr Saroj Sharma briefed the Prime Minister on the need for policy, legal, and structural changes in the health insurance programme. Currently, the payment of around Rs 11 billion is awaited under the programme. Of the total population, 27 per cent are enrolled and 48 per cent of them are receiving services.

The Task Force recommended that the government make participation in the programme mandatory for all citizens, ensuring free services for those living below the absolute poverty line.
Moreover, the Task Force suggested integrating basic health services with other social security programmes. The Task Force submitted its report to the Ministry on December 29, 2024.