KATHMANDU: People enrolled in Nepal’s health insurance program will now receive double the treatment assistance compared to before, Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel has announced.

Minister Paudel stated that, as per his prior commitment, patients suffering from eight critical illnesses will receive an increased benefit of NPR 200,000—up from the current NPR 100,000—under the health insurance scheme.

“To ease the suffering of citizens who are unable to afford treatment for severe illnesses, we have arranged for patients with eight types of diseases to receive treatment worth NPR 200,000 through the health insurance program starting from Shrawan 1 [mid-July],” Minister Paudel wrote on his social media on Wednesday morning.

According to the minister, this enhanced facility will be available to patients with cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, head injury, spinal injury, sickle cell anemia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Minister Paudel had earlier pledged to increase the treatment amount to provide relief to patients with these eight critical conditions.

In line with this, the Ministry had written to the Health Insurance Board to implement the changes.

Executive Director Dr. Raghuraj Kafle informed that the Board meeting held on Tuesday night decided to grant NPR 200,000 in treatment coverage for patients with the specified eight diseases.

He added that the decision will come into effect from Shrawan 1.

Earlier, Minister Paudel had also made a policy decision to allow health insurance members to receive treatment at their local healthcare centers and to make insurance services accessible at all levels.

“We are constantly working to refine the health insurance system and increase access for the general public,” Paudel said, adding, “We always welcome your constructive advice, suggestions, and feedback.”