Bir Hospital Trims Health Insurance-Covered Services as Funding Crisis Deepens

Kathmandu — Bir Hospital has reduced the scope of services available through the national health insurance programme. Previously, patients with chronic illnesses could receive up to three months’ worth of medicines through insurance; under the new policy, the hospital will provide only one month’s supply at a time. The change takes effect from 1 Falgun and will remain until further notice.

According to hospital director Dr. Dilip Sharma, the cutback was forced by prolonged non-payment of reimbursements by the Health Insurance Board, which owes the hospital tens of millions in unpaid claims and has created severe financial strain. “Bir is a hospital for the poor — if we stopped all services entirely, patients would suffer,” Dr. Sharma said, adding that the hospital’s biggest challenge has been procuring medicines.

He also blamed delayed government funding, saying the hospital has struggled to buy medicines and maintain equipment because of the cash shortfall.

The health insurance programme is currently in a deep financial crisis, with several major hospitals suspending or threatening to suspend services due to overdue payments. According to health officials, billions in reimbursements remain unpaid to registered facilities, raising the risk that insured citizens will be denied care and the programme may falter further without urgent intervention.