Karnali CM launches free health insurance for 693 reporters

By Our Correspondent,Surkhet, July 28: Karnali Province Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel has stated that the state's role regarding journalists' safety is not interference, but rather essential protection.

Speaking at a health insurance policy handover event organised by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law of Karnali Province on Sunday, CM Kandel remarked that journalism is the backbone of democracy.

He said, “Journalism is a profession that always seeks truth and amplifies the voice of the people. The state’s concern and protection are essential for those carrying out such sensitive and difficult duties.”

He reiterated the provincial government's full commitment to press freedom and emphasised the need for transparency, mutual respect, and collaboration between the state and media professionals.

According to CM Kandel, the health insurance initiative reflects the state's responsibility for journalists' safety, its commitment to democratic values, and its support for human rights.

The Karnali Province Government has provided health insurance for 693 working journalists in the province. The programme to provide treatment to journalists by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law is being implemented in collaboration with the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Karnali Province Committee.

A contract was signed between the ministry and Rastriya Beema Company Limited to implement the scheme. Under this insurance, journalists are entitled to receive medical treatment coverage of up to Rs. 70,000 annually.

The total insurance cost is approximately Rs. 1.4 million, the ministry said. Insured journalists must notify the insurance company within 60 days of falling ill or within 35 days of discharge from the hospital.

Representatives from the FNJ said that the provincial government’s proactive role in journalists’ safety is a historic step. The event was attended by the secretary and staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law, FNJ Karnali Province Committee members, and representatives of various media outlets.