KATHMANDU: The government has decided to dismantle the long-criticized “syndicate” in health screenings for Nepali migrant workers, opening the process to a wider range of approved institutions, including public hospitals.

The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security announced that workers leaving for foreign employment will now be allowed to undergo mandatory medical examinations at government-owned or government-approved health facilities. Previously, such services were largely restricted to a limited number of private institutions.

In a statement, the ministry said the new arrangement aligns with provisions in the Foreign Employment Act, 2007, and its regulations, which require workers to complete health checks at authorized institutions before departing abroad.

The earlier system had drawn sustained criticism from stakeholders, who accused a handful of private providers of monopolizing the service and called for an end to the alleged cartel.

To streamline implementation, the ministry has also initiated a process to formally enlist and categories eligible health institutions, aiming to ensure broader access, transparency and improved service delivery for migrant workers.