Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Minister for Finance Swarnim Wagle on Thursday claimed that the government has not reduced the budget allocated for the health insurance program.
Speaking at a dialogue program titled “Citizens, Policy and Leadership” organized by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) at its party office in Banasthali, Kathmandu, Wagle said an additional Rs 11 billion was allocated for the program in the previous fiscal year after Rs 10 billion allocated by the previous government proved insufficient.
“This year, I have allocated Rs 15 billion for the health insurance program,” he added.
Wagle said the government’s financial liability toward health insurance is growing with every passing year. “The question now is whether people are receiving services commensurate with the government’s investment,” he added.
Stating that the government hospitals are still offering treatment under the health insurance program, Wagle said a study was underway to make the program more effective.
