[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”TO BE EDITED – SUMMARY – Click on the WHEEL icon to open the textarea where you can paste or type your summary. The summary condenses the main points for the news that starts below. The summary is in bold and not longer than 300 characters, including spaces. The counter at the bottom can help.” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Nepal\u2019s National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), launched in 2016 to improve healthcare access and reduce costs, has faced low enrollment and high dropout rates due to concerns about service quality, lack of awareness, administrative delays, and affordability issues. Despite these challenges, the program has increased healthcare utilization in participating districts and improved health system resources to achieve its goals.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TO BE EDITED – TEXT OF THE NEWS – BLOCK 1 – Click on the WHEEL icon to open the textarea where you can paste or type your news. PLEASE USE ONLY THE FEATURED IMAGE FUNCTION on your right column to add the image.” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Nepal\u2019s National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), launched in 2016 to advance universal health coverage and reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs, has struggled with persistent challenges. Despite its aim to improve healthcare access and financial protection, the program faces low enrollment and high dropout rates. A study led by Rajani Bharati and colleagues explored the reasons behind these issues and assessed the program\u2019s impact.<\/p>\n Both those who enrolled and those who did not identified the quality of health services as a decisive factor in their participation. Other significant barriers included a lack of awareness about the insurance scheme, delays in coverage activation following registration, complicated referral processes, and difficulties accessing health facilities, particularly in remote areas. Many respondents also highlighted the unaffordability of premiums and uncertainty about the insurance\u2019s usefulness for their needs.<\/span><\/p>\n