Kathmandu: The Ministry of Health and Population is set to integrate social health security programs, aiming to streamline medical treatment for destitute citizens.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Poudel has approved the ‘Destitute Citizen Medical Treatment Program Operation Guidelines, 2080 (First Amendment 2082)’. The newly approved guidelines establish a single-door system for processing payments for treatments related to eight serious diseases under the Destitute Citizen Treatment Program through the Health Insurance Board. This integration brings the program under the health insurance umbrella, enhancing its structure.
The revised guidelines delegate the payment processes for the destitute citizens treatment program, previously managed by the Department of Health Services, Nursing, and Social Security Division, to the Health Insurance Board. Other related activities, such as hospital listings and integrated monitoring, will continue to be managed by the Nursing and Social Security Division.
Minister Poudel emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring medical treatment for destitute citizens and its active efforts to make the insurance program more integrated, systematic, and transparent. Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki highlighted that the implementation of these guidelines will lead to a more economical use of state resources, ensuring clarity in accounts and delivering benefits directly to the intended patients.