Health Insurance Budget Increased by NPR 5 Billion This Year: Finance Minister

Kathmandu — Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has said the government has not reduced the budget allocated for the health insurance program, but has instead increased it by NPR 5 billion this year.

Speaking at a dialogue program titled ‘Citizens, Policy and Leadership’ organized by the Rastriya Swatantra Party at its Baneshwor office, Wagle clarified the government’s position on health insurance in response to questions from participants.

According to Wagle, the previous government had allocated NPR 10 billion for health insurance last year. However, after the allocation proved insufficient, an additional NPR 11 billion was provided after he assumed office.

“This year, I have added another NPR 5 billion to the health insurance budget, bringing the total allocation to NPR 15 billion,” Wagle said.

He acknowledged that the government’s financial liability toward health insurance continues to increase, but said questions remain over whether citizens are receiving services commensurate with the government’s investment.

Wagle said the health insurance program continues to operate through government hospitals and that the government is conducting studies to make the program more effective.