Abstract

Background: Nepal has made several significant efforts on health protection and promotion over the past several years. In 2016, the government of Nepal (GoN) launched a health insurance (HI) program with the aim of equitable and universal access to health services for all around the people of Nepal. At first, GoN started HI in 3 districts (Kailali, Baglung, and Ilam). Later extended to other districts and by the year 2020 GoN aims to reach all 77 districts with HI program. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the HI program in social security in the Kailali district.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 2158 randomly selected HI having peoples in the Kailali district and the data were collected and analyzed.

Results: Of total 2158 respondents, 55.56% express positive effects of HI in social security, 27.8% negative and 16.6% express both. Only 42% are willing to encourage others to do HI. Around 67% visited the hospital after having HI, and 93% think that the insurance has somewhat benefits. All respondents think the HI has benefited by 1.7%, 11.5% and 86.6% in concern of social aspect, economic aspect and both respectively. Only 46% felt easy in receiving medicine. The treatment process response is easy (22.7%), complex (39.7%) and same as before (37.5%).

Conclusion: Mixed positive and negative perception among the population having HI. Still, more awareness is needed to make clear about the HI to all the people. Increasing the quality of services, and easy treatment process will attract more people.

Keywords: Health Insurance; Social Security; Nepal; Safety; Health Service; Medicines; Kailali

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Citation

Citation: Dirgha Raj Joshi., et al. “Effect of Health Insurance Program in Social Security in Kailali District, Nepal". Acta Scientific Pharmaceutical Sciences 4.3 (2020): 02-06.