NEPAL
Nepal’s Health Sector Strategy (2015 ̶ 2020) laid the foundations for the development of UHC, focusing on four key strategic areas: equity in health systems, quality health services for all, health systems reform, and multi-sector collaboration.
Some of the challenges in implementing UHC in the country include addressing the disparities in access to care and reducing out-of-pocket payments, which currently account for 55% of health expenditure.
UHC Indicators
–
UHC service coverage index: 48%
Physicians per 1,000 population: 0.65
Catastrophic expenditure: 10.7%
L4UHC Support
Start Date
2016 – 2023
Type of Support
- L4UHC Modules
- Collective Action Initiatives
- National coach
- Ministry of Health and Population
- Health Emergency Operation Center
- National Planning Commission
- Health Insurance Board (Government of Nepal)
- Ministry of Finance
-
World Health Organization
-
German Development Cooperation
-
World Bank
- Roshan Karn (WHO)
Ongoing Collective Action Initiatives
Objectives
1. Develop a costed National Health Financing Strategy
The strategy will include well-defined, affordable, results-oriented activities and be co-owned by key stakeholders. Policy documents are being developed to support it.
2. Develop a 5-year health insurance implementation plan
The aim of the plan is to ensure quality health services and financial protection for all Nepalis. Policy documents are being developed to support it.
3. Develop a tool for monitoring accessibility and other factors
The tool will measure accessibility, availability, utilization and the quality of basic health services, and be piloted it in seven provinces, representing all ecological and urban-rural regions.
Completed Collective Action Initiatives
Objectives
Reform drug procurement in order to improve drug availability and distribution, as well as to avoid irrational drug use.
Results
- National Steering Committee and Technical Working Group on UHC established.
- PHCC Pharmacy Guidelines endorsed.
- Budget allocation to district health facilities increased by 400% to $20,000.
- Improved district-level management information systems.
- Increased drug availability at point of care within districts.
Timeline
Regional module in Bangkok, Thailand, with Nepal, Pakistan and Cambodia
Module
National module in Kathmandu, Nepal
Module
Regional module in Japan with Cambodia, Lao PDR and Nepal
Module
Regional module in Malaysia with Cambodia, Lao PDR and Nepal
Module
Regional module in the Philipines with Cambodia, Lao PDR and Nepal
Module