KATHMANDU: Over 30 percent of Nepal’s population has enrolled in the government-run health insurance program.
Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Executive Director of the Health Insurance Board, Damodar Basaula highlighted the achievements of his four-year tenure, noting a substantial increase in enrollment since October 2021 when only 12.79 percent of the population was covered.
Under Basaula’s leadership, the Health Insurance Board has reached all 753 local levels across Nepal’s 77 districts. During this time, 79 percent of enrolled citizens renewed their insurance.
Basaula credited the program’s effectiveness to new operating procedures established under the Health Insurance Act, which has allowed the Board to enhance health service access through various regulatory measures.
Basaula also announced plans to improve transparency by publishing all payments made to health service providers on the Health Insurance Board’s website. He further detailed that each year, the Board will release an updated policy and annual budget to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
The Board has also set up a health insurance fund, in line with the Health Insurance Act of 2074, which has been operational with an approved procedure to manage its finances. The initiative has reportedly strengthened government hospitals and health centers, enabling them to provide more effective care.
Despite challenges due to limited staffing, Basaula expressed satisfaction with the progress made and emphasized the need for a permanent organizational structure. He urged the government to approve this structure and assign employees with specific job roles to streamline the program’s management and ensure sustainable growth.
