Health insurance problem will be solved: Khapung

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Aug 17 : Health and Population Minister Bhawani Prasad Khapung has said that physicians are not ready to serve in remote areas.

Speaking at an interaction programme organised by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry here on Monday, Minister Khapung said that though many doctors complain of not getting a job, they are not ready to serve in remote areas.  Minister Khapung mentioned that it is difficult to provide basic health services in remote areas as no one is ready to serve there and everyone prefers to work in big cities including Kathmandu.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Khapung said that the latest dispute over the health insurance programme will be resolved soon. 

In the budget of the current fiscal year, it has been mentioned that private hospitals will not be allowed to run health insurance programmes, and it has been widely opposed.

Minister Khapung mentioned that it is difficult to provide basic health services in remote areas as no one is ready to serve there and everyone prefers to work in big cities including Kathmandu.

Addressing the issue, Minister Khapung informed that the issue related to the health insurance programme was being discussed in the Council of Ministers. He said, "As per the Insurance Act the Health Insurance Board is an independent body. 

In the budget announcement, the health insurance programme was said to be conducted only from government and community hospitals, and now there is opposition, this matter is being discussed.”

Minister Khapung also said that the Ministry has formed a working group under the coordination of the State Minister for Health and Population to solve the problems facing the health insurance programme. 

Mentioning that the insurance programme will be carried out as per the purpose, he urged all Nepalis to join the insurance programme.