The national health insurance program faces a Rs 14 billion payment shortfall to hospitals, while annual premium collections are only Rs 3.75 billion. The Health Insurance Board warned that the Rs 10 billion annual deficit threatens the program’s sustainability. Despite financial strain, 12.5 million hospital visits were recorded last fiscal year, averaging five visits per person. Executive Director Raghu Raj Kafle said efforts are underway to expand coverage, amend the Health Insurance Act, 2017, and improve service quality.
