A system in crisis
Summary
Nepal's National Health Insurance Programme faces a funding crisis, impacting state hospitals like Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and Bir Hospital, threatening access to quality healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Key Points
- Nepal launched the National Health Insurance Programme in 2017 to ensure universal health coverage and quality healthcare access.
- Only 10 percent of the population aged 15–49 participate in the programme, hindered by bureaucratic and funding issues.
- State-run hospitals like Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital have suspended NHIP services due to unpaid government dues totaling around Rs400 million.
- The government has exhausted funds for the current fiscal year and is seeking additional funding to sustain the programme, emphasizing the need for long-term political commitment.
