Over 9.3m insured can access FSP treatment at 377 public hospitals: HIB

KATHMANDU: More than 9.3 million individuals insured under the government’s health insurance scheme can now access First Service Point (FSP) treatment at any of the country’s 377 public hospitals.

The Health Insurance Board (HIB) announced today that policyholders may receive treatment at any healthcare facility listed on its FSP register from July 17, regardless of their place of residence.

The move aims to make health insurance services more accessible, efficient and citizen-friendly, replacing the previous requirement that insured people attend pre-designated FSPs.

Under the new rules, HIB Information Officer Bikesh Malla said that a patient insured in Jhapa District in the far east could attend an FSP hospital in Kanchanpur District in the far west. “The scope for accessing FSP services has been expanded,” he added, noting that patients treated at FSPs will be eligible for referral to designated referral hospitals.

There are currently 377 institutions designated as FSPs and 98 as referral hospitals. The HIB has designated federal hospitals, specialist and speciality hospitals and health academies as referral institutions.

The HIB has called on all local governments to establish at least one FSP; Information Officer Malla urged local authorities to submit applications to designate their nearest public health institutions accordingly.

Launched in Kailali District in 2016, the health insurance programme provides healthcare services to people who are economically disadvantaged.

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