Government Imposes 3% Health Equity Fee on Private Healthcare Services, Raising Treatment Costs

Kathmandu. The government's decision to impose a 3% 'health equity fee' through the Economic Bill 2083 will make treatment services in private health institutions more expensive from July 1. The implementation of the 3% health equity fee will further increase the cost of services in private hospitals, labs, nursing homes, polyclinics, and private medical colleges. This will directly impact patients.

Clause 17 of the bill enacted to implement the proposals of the Government of Nepal concerning finance states, 'The health equity fee shall be levied and collected by private health service providers from patients on all types of service charges as per Schedule-8. Such fees will be spent on access to quality health services and the construction of health-related infrastructure.'