Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Poudel has introduced a provision requiring 1% of the total revenue generated by Federal Hospital Development Committees (HDCs) to be deposited into the Health Insurance Fund.
Announcing the ministerial-level decision on Sunday, March 30, Poudel underscored the urgency of activating the Health Insurance Fund, which had remained dormant despite its provision in the Health Insurance Act, reported state-owned news agency RSS.
Read: Government Employees to Face 1% Salary Deduction for Mandatory Health Insurance
With the Ministry of Finance already granting approval, the Health Insurance Board now gains access to additional financial resources. So far, the board depends on allocations received through the Ministry of Health and Population.
Poudel stressed that strengthening the Health Insurance Fund is key to enhancing the effectiveness of the National Health Insurance Program. He also affirmed that further reforms are in progress to improve its implementation.
A recently published report by the Health Insurance Reform Taskforce recommends that government employees contribute 1% of their salaries, with the state covering an additional 1%. It also suggests that revenue generated from taxes on substances harmful to health be directed into the fund to ensure its long-term sustainability.
The latest decision is expected to play a crucial role in bolstering the Health Insurance Fund, said Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population.
RSS
