Pokhara: Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel has announced that the government is actively working to make health insurance more systematic. Speaking at the inauguration of a geriatric health section at an old age home in Sitakopaila, Pokhara Metropolitan City-17, Minister Paudel emphasized the ongoing efforts to secure resources for a sustainable health insurance scheme. He highlighted the importance of ensuring accessible and quality health insurance, suggesting that income-based contributions could be linked to the insurance fund.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Paudel also mentioned his proposal to increase the insurance amount to Rs 500,000 per year based on scientific assessment. He expressed concern over the current allocation of only 4 percent of the total budget to the health sector and advocated for an increase to at least 10 percent. The Minister assured that there would be no reduction in citizens’ entitlements and reiterated the government’s commitment to providing
free cancer treatment to children under 14.
Minister Paudel pledged to support the geriatric health section at the old age home with health and medical equipment and medicines. On the same occasion, Kushum Keshav Parajuli, chair of the old age home, stated that the facility is also extending assistance to elderly citizens in need.