Based on the statistics (for example see http://www.nep.searo.who.int/LinkFiles/Home_Abolition_of_User1.pdf), free health care services through local health post (abolition of user fee) is a needed initiative in Nepal. Nepal was under-investing in health sector ($14 per capita) than what Commission on Macro-economics and Health has recommended ($24-$42 per capita) for developing countries. On this regard, free health care services appears as a long due policy for Nepalese people.
Formulation and implementation of new policy should always be followed by its evaluation. It is important that the free health care service policy should also be evaluated after a year of its implementation if not by the first six months. Information collected through evaluation can provide some important policy feedbacks and it can suggest if any changes to make.
Department of Health and/or Ministry of Health should consider evaluation as one of their core activities, and schedule it within a specific time frame to get the better result of its policy efforts.
Government of Nepal has initiated free treatment at health posts in Nepal. While it is a breath of relief for many people who spend a large sum of their income for medical expenses, it is also a big burden for national economy. Only time will tell us if it is indeed a good initiative for future, but we would like to know what you think about it. The news as posted in kantipuronline is as below:
Free treatment at health posts in Nepal from Tuesday
Kantipur Report
KATHMANDU, Jan 14 - Taking probably the most ambitious decision ever, the government has decided to provide crucial health services and medicines for free in health posts and sub-health posts throughout the country from Tuesday.
Organizing a press conference on Monday, Health Minister Giriraj Mani Pokhrel informed that patients will be provided with every kind of health treatments required for free at all the 675 health posts and 3,127 sub-health posts in the country.
It has been estimated that approximately 10 million people visit health posts for treatment every year.
The government has planned to spend about Rs 940 million for providing free health services.
The total sum comprises Rs 250 million collected from Health Ministry and about Rs 690 million from Health Care Department.
According to the Ministry, 32 different kinds of medicines will be provided all around the year in health posts and 22 types of medicines in sub-health posts.
In addition, the people will not need to pay the registration charge in health institutions.
Even pregnancy test and maternity services along with stitching and dressing will be provided for free from Tuesday.
Posted on: 2008-01-14 05:30:12 (Server Time)