A total of 877 people have availed of the government’s health insurance programme in the past four months. The programme was launched in three districts—Baglung, Ilam and Kailali.

According to the Social Health Security Development Committee (SHSDC), a total of 17,657 people have signed up for health insurance

so far. The data shows 2,501 people have been insured in Baglung; 4,946 in Ilam and 10,210 in Kailali.

Under the insurance programme, a family of five has to pay an annual premium of Rs2,500. Each additional member is required to pay Rs425. In the scheme, a household can access health services worth up to Rs50,000. The insured are entitled to access general OPD, laboratory services, X-ray, ECG, ultrasound, endoscopy and physiotherapy, among 28 services.

Besides, apart from the 70 drugs made freely available

by the government, people have to pay 15 percent price of the drugs.

“People have started using the service from the insurance scheme. But what we are trying to see is if they are satisfied with the services,” said Dr Guna Raj Lohani, chief of the SHSDC.

The government plans to expand the programme across the country to cover all the citizens. Following this

year’s budget, the government plans to expand the programme to additional 23 districts. The government has earmarked Rs2.5 million to expand the insurance coverage in 25 districts.

Also, a single member of the household can avail all the services up to the cost ceiling based on need. Dr Lohani said they are working to develop facilities at district hospitals for the insured people.