KATHMANDU:- The political parties have made public health services their main agenda in the upcoming House of Representatives election. The manifestos issued by political parties mainly focus on making healthcare free for citizens.

The manifesto issued by the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) mentions providing free ‘sanitary pads’ to all schoolgirls. It is also mentioned that the female health volunteers will be provided with an allowance of Rs 20 thousand and social security.

The UML manifesto states that an allowance of Rs 20 thousand would be provided to postpartum women and free life insurance up to Rs 500 thousand. The UML’s election manifesto mentions providing world-class healthcare within the country itself by constructing hospital infrastructure at all levels, arranging modern equipment, determining service quality, and managing human resources.

The UML has stated in its election manifesto that at least one ‘General Practice and Emergency Medicine’ (MDGP) doctor, nurse, laboratory and pharmacy services will be provided at the primary health care centre. It is stated that the district hospital will be upgraded to provide minimum services, and an effective ‘referral’ system will be arranged at the provincial level.

Similarly, the ‘Promissory Paper’ issued by the Nepali Congress mentions ending the situation where citizens have to pay out of pocket for healthcare and providing free and quality health services. The pledge also mentions that all levels of government should implement the provision of allocating 10 percent of the total budget to the health sector.

The Nepali Congress, while stating that all treatments will be covered by health insurance, mentioned in the pledge that the state will bear the premium for those who cannot afford the income for health insurance.

The Promissory Paper mentions health-related matters, including operating the first service point at all local levels and providing free treatment to children under three years and senior citizens over 73 years. The ‘Commitment Document’ issued by the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) mentions enrolling one hundred percent of the population in health insurance by 2088 BS.

It also aims to reduce the current health expenditure, which is about 54 percent, to below 35 percent by 2088 BS. It is stated in the manifesto that a ‘mid-level’ health team will be deployed in every ward, community and school. These teams shall provide regular health check-ups, lifestyle advice and disease prevention services.

The document also mentioned that outpatient services in government hospitals will be operated in two shifts from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm throughout the year, and services at health posts will be extended to 365 days. The commitment document mentions that the health examination of youths going abroad for employment will be provided free of charge.

The NCP has stated that central framework agreements and the government procurement system will be implemented to end irregularities in medicine purchases. The ‘manifesto’ published by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) mentions taking all social security programmes related to health through a one-door system.

The manifesto mentions adopting a prevention-focused strategy for non-communicable diseases, including cancer rather than just treatment, establishing a burn treatment fund to ensure free and quality treatment for burn victims, and constructing a world-class, specialised burn hospital.

The RSP’s election manifesto promises to establish a separate high-powered directorate to make mental health services easily accessible to citizens, and to provide mental primary care in the delivery of primary health services through a 24-hour helpline, with arrangements for specialist doctors in all district hospitals.

It is mentioned in the pledge paper to run yoga and meditation programmes, and to institutionally implement alternative therapy methods based on scientific studies. RSS