The government has allocated Rs 41.33 billion for the health sector. Of the total budget of Rs 819 billion, the government's allocation to the health sector stands at around 5 per cent. Highly ambitious programs like a doctor for each VDC and immunization of all children by 2017 have been announced. Other budgetary announcements relating to the health sector are as follows:
PLMC gives continuity to old ambitious programs
- 15-bed hospital in each of the 191 municipalities.
- Free MD/MS programs in government medical colleges.
- Distribution of essential medicines free of cost through government health facilities.
- ICU/NICU services to be made available at all government hospitals.
- Anti-snake venom to be produced within the country.
- Senior citizens to get Rs 500 monthly allowance for medical treatment.
- Free treatment to infants of up to 28 days at all government health centers.
- Introduction of social health insurance program for all.
The government has allocated only around 5 percent of the total budget for the health sector. Apart from 'a doctor for every VDC' and free MD/MS program in government-owned medical colleges, most of the programs are a continuation of previous programs. The government has announced various health programs but it not possible to implement them all given the budget allocated to them. Volume of the budget has increased but the overall percentage has not been increased. A doctor for every VDC program cannot be implemented through the given budget. The government should have increased the overall volume of health budget to retain health goals we achieved in the past. We have already achieved several MDG goals, but retaining them is more important.
Dr Praveen Mishra, former secretary at MoHP
The government's programs appear highly ambitious. Every year the government introduces new slogans but past experience shows they hardly get implemented. Implementation of programs has been very dismal. The government has to improve on the implementation front. The government aims to achieve 100 percent target in immunization, which is impossible at the national level.
Dr Shyam Raj Upreti, health expert and former director at Child Health Division
