Mayor Hark Sampang Opposes Removal of BP Koirala Institute from Insurance Network

Kathmandu – The decision by the Health Insurance Board to remove the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) in Dharan from its list of first-point service hospitals has drawn sharp criticism, with Dharan Sub-metropolitan City Mayor Hark Sampang officially voicing his opposition.

In a formal letter addressed to the Health Insurance Board, Mayor Sampang urged the reinstatement of BPKIHS as a primary service provider under the national health insurance program. “It is requested to keep BP Health Sciences Institute Dharan in the list of first hospitals for insurance facilities and not deprive the entire people of Dharan of insurance services,” the letter stated.

The controversy emerged following the Board’s decision that, effective from Shrawan 1, only insured patients referred by the District Hospital in Inaruwa would be eligible for insurance-covered treatment at BPKIHS. This marks a departure from the previous arrangement, under which BPKIHS itself acted as the initial point of contact for insurance beneficiaries.

Since Dharan lacks another first-point hospital under the insurance program, locals must now travel to Inaruwa—approximately 25 kilometers away—for referrals, a move that has sparked public outrage and protests in the city.

Demonstrations began on Monday, with residents and civic groups demanding immediate reversal of the policy. Protesters argue that the decision disproportionately affects the urban and rural populations of Dharan who rely heavily on BPKIHS for timely medical care.