People with health insurance can now get treatment at any of the 377 public hospitals across the country.

 Kathmandu, July 18 – People covered by Nepal's government health insurance scheme—around 9.3 million individuals—can now get treatment from any of the 377 designated public hospitals across the country, no matter where they live.

Previously, patients could only go to a specific hospital (called the First Service Point or FSP) assigned based on their residence. But starting from July 17, they are free to seek treatment at any hospital listed under the Health Insurance Board’s FSP network.

“This change will make healthcare more accessible,” said Bikesh Malla, the Board’s information officer. “For example, someone insured in Jhapa can now receive treatment at a listed hospital in Kanchanpur.”

People who receive care at these FSP hospitals will still be eligible for further treatment at referral hospitals if needed. There are currently 98 such referral institutions, which include federal hospitals, specialty and super-specialty centers, and medical academies.

The Board has also requested all local governments to set up at least one health facility as an FSP and to apply for approval.

Nepal’s national health insurance program was launched in 2016 in Kailali, with the goal of providing affordable healthcare, especially to economically disadvantaged communities.

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