Himal Press 
Prime Minister Sushila Karki
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has expressed a firm commitment to ensuring the continuity of services provided under the National Health Insurance Program.
Speaking at a discussion with concerned stakeholders on Wednesday, Karki said the government would immediately address funding-related issues.
“Since the health insurance program primarily serves poor and vulnerable people, it must be treated as an emergency issue. I will hold consultations with the finance minister and ensure that the problem is resolved without delay,” she added.
Karki also said funds would be arranged even through borrowing, if necessary, to keep the programme running. “People are paying a premium of Rs 3,500 for health insurance. The government cannot deny them health srevices under any circumstances,” she said. “The issue will be addressed urgently once the finance minister returns from an official tour.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks have come amid disruptions in health insurance services following the Health Insurance Board’s failure to clear claims submitted by various health institutions. Several hospitals have issued public notices announcing the suspension of services to patients enrolled under the health insurance scheme.
Also speaking on the occasion, Finance Secretary Ghanashyam Upadhyay said the Ministry of Finance was committed to mobilizing the required resources to keep the program running. “We have advised the Ministry of Health and Population to introduce policy reforms to end malpractices,” he said. “The ministry can reprioritize the amount allocated for health insurance, reallocate budgets, or transfer resources from recurrent expenses of other ministries based on necessity.”
