”We have to hold elections, rebuild burnt houses. We also have to introduce new programs. We also have to give money to insurance. But resources are limited. How much to give? How much to deliver.”
What you should know
Minister for Health and Population Dr. Sudha Gautam has said that she has started her work by prioritizing the proper management of health insurance.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Trauma Center at Bharatpur Hospital on Sunday, Minister Dr. Gautam said, "I have three areas for improving the health system. The first priority is health insurance." Speaking at the event, Medical Superintendent (MESU) of Bharatpur Hospital Dr. Krishna Prasad Poudel said that the hospital had claimed more than one billion rupees for payment of treatment through insurance last year, but only half of the amount was received. If this is the case, the hospital will not be able to run properly, said Mesu Poudel.
Health Minister Dr. Gautam also agreed with Mesu Dr. Poudel. "Insurance is not working properly. If it is run like this, it is true that the hospital can go bankrupt as Dr. Sap said. We have not been able to pay crores of rupees," she said.
She said that 60,000 claims are received daily for insurance payment. ‘There is such a burden on insurance that out of 60,000 claims, barely 5,000 are verified and settled,’ she said.
Dr. Gautam requested that everyone not assume that after taking out insurance for Rs 3,500, everyone should take a facility worth Rs 100,000. ‘The principle of insurance is that all sick and healthy people should save money but only take services if necessary. I have paid Rs 3,500. Let us not undergo unnecessary treatment and tests just to get a facility worth Rs 100,000,’ she appealed.
She suggested that since basic health care is completely free at health posts and basic health centers, people should make a habit of taking such services there. ‘If you come to the hospital for treatment that is not possible there, the crowd will be reduced. The pressure of insurance, which is not enough no matter how much money you pay, will be reduced. Let the police, administration, local levels and public representatives publicize this,’ she said.
She said that she has started preparing solutions by continuously communicating with representatives of the Health Insurance Board and the Social Security Fund. She said that results will come soon. 'We have to hold elections, rebuild burnt houses. We also have to introduce new programs. We also have to give money to the insurance. But the resources are limited. Where to give? Where to deliver,' she asked.
