Nepal's health-budget promise: Can it become real care?
Summary
Nepal plans to raise its health-sector budget from under 5% to 8% of the national budget to improve healthcare services, insurance, and emergency care, aiming to reduce financial hardship due to illness.
Key Points
- Nepal aims to increase the health sector budget to 8% of the national budget by 2026.
- Current health budget utilization is low at 72%, despite high out-of-pocket health expenditures by households.
- The increased budget should focus on functional primary care, emergency services, and improved health insurance coverage.
- Measurable indicators and improved budget execution are critical to translating budget promises into real healthcare improvements.
