General Secretary Paudel Urges Government for Effective Implementation of Health Insurance Program

Nepali Congress General Secretary Pradeep Paudel has urged the government to take the health insurance program seriously, emphasizing its continuity and effective implementation.

After meeting voters in Kathmandu Constituency No. 5, General Secretary Paudel recalled that he had given high priority to health insurance during his tenure and expressed concern over reports that insurance services have been suspended in some areas. He said that a clear plan for alternative funding sources had already been prepared in case the government is unable to provide health services. He noted that despite repeated requests to the former Prime Minister, the plan could not be fully implemented, and stressed that the current government must also implement the insurance program.

Currently, the health insurance program is facing a financial crisis. Service-providing hospitals have announced suspensions due to unpaid claims. Reports indicate that insurance services at major hospitals, including teaching hospitals, have been affected. Paudel said that although he had tried to expand coverage (from NPR 100,000 to NPR 500,000) and implement a contribution-based system during his tenure, the program is now at risk. He emphasized that the government cannot shy away from its responsibilities in the health sector.

He said, “I gave the highest priority to insurance. During my tenure, insurance was provided at all costs. Now I hear that insurance has been suspended in some areas. The government cannot run away from the health sector like this. We had already prepared a clear plan showing where funds could come from if the government could not provide them. Despite repeatedly assuring the then-respected Prime Minister that the work would be completed, it could not be fully implemented. The current government must also implement the insurance program. If this program is not implemented, the government cannot provide any services in the health sector, and the state cannot fulfill its responsibility for citizens’ health.”

General Secretary Paudel also stated that he would work to increase the capacity of sewage systems and emphasized that he cannot be accused of inaction during his tenure.