Bhaktapur: A training on health insurance programme was organized by Asia Dalit Rights Forum/Equity Society Nepal in Bhaktapur today to educate Dalit communities. The health insurance, designed as a part of the country’s universal health protection initiative, is a social protection programme and a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution of Nepal 2015.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Dalit communities, who have historically been marginalized socially, educationally, and politically, are the target groups for this health insurance programme. However, a majority of Dalits remain unaware of this initiative, which has consequently left the poor and marginalized Dalit communities unable to benefit from their fundamental rights. Bhakta Bishwakarma, the general secretary of Asia Dalit Rights Forum and chair of Equity Society Nepal, commented on the situation, emphasizing the need for awareness among the most marginalized Dalit communities, particularly focusing on youths and women.
Jiban Nepali, one of the executive members of Changunarayan Municipality, Bhaktapur, stated, “Health insurance is our focus in Changunarayan Municipality, and Dalits are the target communities of the health insurance programme, which can save their lives and reduce the risks of out-of-pocket expenses during emergencies.”
Expert Dr. Aita Bishwakarma highlighted the critical role of social protection for historically marginalized people, emphasizing its importance for their basic health condition, education, and dignified life, as these communities have been systematically excluded from state mechanisms in decision-making bodies for centuries.
The training saw participation from 25 Dalit youths and women from Changunarayan and Suryabinayak Municipality, Bhaktapur. Manoj Poudel, Bagmati Province Coordinator of the Health Insurance Board of Nepal Government, facilitated the training. Additionally, Nirmala Bhattarai, District Coordinator of the Health Insurance programme in Bhaktapur, provided insights into the current status of health insurance in the district and highlighted the policy provisions and practices of the Nepal Government.