Government Revises Health Insurance Decision, 13 Hospitals Reinstated as First Service Points

Kathmandu — The Ministry of Health and Population has revised its decision to remove several hospitals from the list of first service points under the national health insurance program, following widespread protests from health workers, hospital staff, and local authorities.

Earlier this month, the Health Insurance Board, acting on ministry instructions, had directed 27 central, specialized, and institutional hospitals across the country to function as referral centers rather than first service points. The change, implemented from Shrawan 1 (July 17), faced immediate backlash—particularly over the exclusion of key facilities such as Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar and BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) in Dharan.

Health workers at Koshi Hospital submitted a memorandum to Health Minister Pradeep Poudel via Medical Superintendent Dr. Runa Jha, arguing that the board’s decision obstructed citizens’ access to critical healthcare. Meanwhile, Dharan Sub-metropolitan Mayor Harka Sampang also voiced strong opposition, demanding reinstatement of BPKIHS as a first service point.

Amid growing pressure, particularly on social media, Minister Poudel responded by acknowledging the inconvenience caused to the public. He announced that arrangements had been made to reinstate central government hospitals as first service points in areas where the removal was problematic.

Following the ministry’s revised directive, the Health Insurance Board has now designated 13 hospitals across seven provinces—excluding those in Kathmandu Valley—to resume operations as first service points. According to board spokesperson Bikesh Malla, this reinstatement is temporary and will last for three months.