Experts doubt implementation of government’s populist decisions

The new government has pledged to end long waiting lists in hospitals, raising health insurance coverage to Rs500,000 and running outpatient care on public holidays. But they are not feasible with existing resources, experts say.

Upon assuming office, Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel vowed to end the long waiting lines at public hospitals within a month of his appointment. He then pledged to raise the coverage of the government’s health insurance scheme to Rs500,000 soon.