‘Health insurance key to better healthcare’

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 29: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ underscored the necessity of enhancing the effectiveness of health insurance to ensure improved access and utilisation of high-quality health services for all citizens.

PM Prachanda made this remark during the 12th meeting of Patan Institute of Health Sciences in Lalitpur on Sunday.

Emphasizing the commitment to achieving universal health coverage through social health insurance, PM Prachanda commended the positive efforts made by local levels in making the health insurance programme successful. He particularly highlighted the agreement signed with Lalitpur Metropolitan City, aiming to provide health services with experts as a potential model programme for the entire country.

“I believe that the agreement signed with Lalitpur Metropolitan City to provide health services of experts to make the national health insurance programme successful will become a model programme for the country,” said PM Prachanda.

Expressing optimism about the future of health services, PM Prachanda asserted that the institution’s offerings to the public would become more standardized and agile. He recognized the significant role played by the hospital, especially during the global COVID-19 pandemic, and urged for a focus on international-level studies and research in the health sciences.

The Prime Minister highlighted the need for producing skilled and quality health manpower, directing the institute to move in that direction. He expressed confidence that the institute’s services would further improve, expanding access to hospital services for more citizens.

In his address, PM Prachanda conveyed his happiness about attending the twelfth meeting of the Patan Institute of Health Sciences and offered guidance on the institution’s policies and decisions. He commended the institution for its contributions to the health sector through the provision of health services, education, and scientific research.

Acknowledging the institution’s role in the development and prosperity of Nepal, PM Prachanda stressed that health of the common citizens is vital for the country’s progress. He encouraged the institution to continue its exemplary initiatives, providing community-based services beyond its operational area.

PM Prachanda concluded by directing relevant government agencies to prioritize the construction of necessary physical infrastructure, emphasizing the need for accessible and quality education and health services. He urged the institution to improve services, ensuring that citizens in rural areas, who often lag in the human development index, have increased access to quality healthcare.

The government is optimistic that such efforts will contribute to the overall well-being and development of the nation, making quality healthcare accessible to all Nepali citizens.