KATHMANDU, Sept 5: The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has made it mandatory for impoverished families to enroll in the national health insurance program in order to receive treatment benefits for eight types of critical illnesses.
Until now, individuals holding identification cards under the impoverished group were eligible for free treatment of such diseases without insurance enrollment.
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The new rule, effective from October 18, requires economically disadvantaged citizens to enroll in health insurance to access free treatment for heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, spinal injuries, head injuries, and sickle cell anemia.
According to the ministry, the decision aims to streamline social health protection programs under a one-door system. To facilitate this, the ministry recently endorsed the Guideline for Operating the Medication and Treatment Program for Impoverished Citizens, 2080 (First Amendment 2082).
As per the revised guideline, the Health Insurance Board will bear the full cost of treatment support for impoverished citizens.
MoHP Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki said the facility will now only be available through the health insurance system, making enrollment mandatory for all impoverished citizens. A directive has been issued to ensure that current beneficiaries are enrolled in the program by the deadline. The ministry has already instructed the Health Insurance Board and the Nursing and Social Security Division to enforce the rule.
