Health Insurance Scheme Suspended in Private Hospitals

The Health Insurance Board has decided to suspend the provision of the health insurance scheme in private-run medical facilities including hospitals.

Acting Executive Director of the Board, Shakuntala Prajapati, shared that the health insurance scheme has been suspended in all private hospitals with effect from coming May 30.

All medical care services, except emergency services, provided by private health institutions affiliated with the government insurance scheme, have been suspended until further notice, in view of the growing financial crisis of the Board, she said.

A total of 36 private hospitals were affiliated with the Board to provide medical services to the people who had joined the government-run health insurance scheme. Out of the 505 health institutions enlisted in the Board, 442 are government and 27 community health care facilities, according to Information Officer of the Board, Bikesh Malla.

Under the health insurance program, medical care services facilities of up to Rs. 100,000 are provided for up to five member of a family on the basis of a yearly contribution of Rs. 3,500. A total of 5.6 million people have joined the health insurance scheme. (RSS)