Fortify Health Insurance
Summary
Nepal’s National Health Insurance Programme is facing a severe financial crunch, leaving hospitals unpaid and limiting services for patients, especially in remote districts like Mugu. Delayed reimbursements and low enrollment have weakened the scheme, pushing more patients toward local Ayurvedic services.
Key Points
- The National Health Insurance Programme was launched in 2016 to reduce out-of-pocket medical costs and expand universal health coverage.
- The Health Insurance Board owes billions of rupees to hospitals, causing delayed reimbursements and service disruptions at both public and private facilities.
- District Hospital Mugu says it has not received Rs. 817,186 in dues, affecting medicine purchases and essential services.
- More patients in Mugu are turning to Ayurveda Health Centre as the district’s health insurance system remains dysfunctional.
