Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: At a time when several government hospitals across the country have suspended treatment under the health insurance program due to non-payment by the Health Insurance Board, Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan has assured Patan Hospital that the metropolis will step in to make payments if the federal government fails to clear insurance dues.
Addressing the 18th anniversary of the Patan Academy of Health Sciences on Friday, Mayor Maharjan said delays in insurance reimbursements had created serious operational difficulties for hospitals and urged the government to release payments without further delay.
“Health services should not be disrupted because of payment issues. If, in any circumstance, services are halted because the government does not pay insurance claims, I will personally bear the criticism and responsibility,” Maharjan said.
He further stated that if the federal government formally authorizes the metropolis through an official letter or assigns it responsibility for the payments, Lalitpur Metropolitan City is prepared to cover the costs of health services provided to insured patients.
Mayor Maharjan also announced that a new health centre is being established in coordination with Patan Hospital. “Once the new facility is operational, people of Lalitpur would be able to access quality healthcare services through the national health insurance scheme. The collaboration between Lalitpur Metropolitan City and Patan Hospital could serve as a model for all local governments across the country,” he added.
