Sep 29, Kathmandu- A committee has been formed to suggest solutions to the problems seen in the health insurance sector. The Ministry of Health and Population has formed a recommendation committee under the leadership of Dr. Shambhu Prasad Acharya through a ministerial decision.

Dr. Raghuraj Kafle, Development Economist and former Vice Chairman of Policy and Planning Commission of Gandaki Province, Senior Heart Surgeon Prof. Dr. Bhagwan Koirala are members of the committee. The committee includes the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security and the Joint Secretary of the National Planning Commission as members.

The executive director of the Health Insurance Board, the head of the Quality Measurement and Regulation Division of the Ministry and representatives of private sector umbrella organizations have also been designated as members of the committee.

Health Minister Pradeep Paudel said that the committee is expected to make appropriate suggestions to improve the health insurance sector and bring it within the reach of the common people. He informed that the committee has been mandated to report with analysis and suggestions on the strengths and weaknesses of the existing health insurance legal situation, service delivery, etc.

Similarly, it has been asked to suggest measures with suggestions to move the social security program currently implemented in Nepal through a one-door system through the health insurance program. The committee is expected to suggest possible measures to make all citizens involved in the health insurance program. It is mentioned that the health insurance amount will be increased to five lakh rupees in the plans and priorities announced by Minister Paudel on 27th of Shrawan.

The first meeting of the committee formed to make suggestions for solving the problems in the field of health insurance has also been held. Acharya, the coordinator of the committee, said that they will study the international practices of health insurance along with a detailed study of the country's practices and difficulties.