KATHMANDU, Dec 21: The health insurance program is set to commence in Kathmandu after three months.
Ram Prasad Paudel, chief of the health division of the Kathmandu metropolis, informed Republica that an agreement with the Health Insurance Board is scheduled to be signed this week.
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To implement the insurance program, Kathmandu metropolis has prepared 24 entry point hospitals in different wards. Paudel mentioned that the process of supplying necessary doctors and equipment to these hospitals will take three months.
Paudel stated that the tender process has been initiated for the recruitment of 27 doctors and the acquisition of necessary equipment for the entry point hospitals. “It appears that it will take three months to complete these tasks and be ready,” he said.
According to Paudel, given the large population in the KMC, the number of insured citizens is also high. The hospitals cannot bear the burden if all insured individuals go directly to the major hospitals. Therefore, the treatment of minor diseases will be handled by the doctors at the entry point hospitals. Patients in need of special services will be referred to the larger hospitals. Provisions will be made for testing services such as x-rays and lab work with a medical officer-level doctor in the province entry hospital.
