Nepal Implements Social Service Unit Program for Free Healthcare Access
Summary
Nepal's Ministry of Health has implemented the Social Service Unit Program to provide free or subsidized healthcare services to vulnerable groups across 94 hospitals nationwide, ensuring equitable access to treatment.
Key Points
- Article 35 of the Constitution of Nepal guarantees every citizen the right to free basic healthcare and emergency services.
- The Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene issued the 'Social Service Unit Program Operation Guideline' for FY 2083/084 to implement this right.
- The program operates in 94 hospitals across all 77 districts, targeting vulnerable groups for free or subsidized healthcare.
- Additional relief includes medication, food, transportation, and attendants costs for extremely poor and disabled patients, and free treatment for victims of gender-based violence.
