Kathmandu. Bhaktapur: An insured associated with health insurance has had to spend his money for treatment due to the extreme negligence of Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, which has earned a lot of fame for cancer treatment.
Te Bahadur Karki of Sunkoshi Rural Municipality of Sindhuli has been regularly associated with the health insurance program since its inception. Karki, who is also a former headmaster of the community school, has been associated with the health insurance provided by the government as he is health conscious.
Karki was diagnosed with nose cancer three years ago. He could not undergo surgery as he was in his late 70s. He treated his cancer through radiotherapy. He comes to Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital every six months for follow-up.
Karki has been providing his treatment from the health insurance provided by the government. As a result, he is not burdened financially.
Sunkoshi rural municipality has earmarked karki’s family’s health insurance at Nepal Korean Friendly City Hospital. For the first time after the renewal of the current fiscal year, Karki’s wife TikaDevi Karki came to Kathmandu for treatment and returned home with health services worth around Rs 3,500 at The Korean Friendship Hospital. Karki, who was followed up for cancer treatment, went to Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital and took a referral from Korean Friendly Hospital. However, his balance at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital was zero when he showed his health insurance card.
Karki spent around Rs 6,000-7,000 to get medical treatment at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital as he did not have time. After returning from the hospital, he contacted the Health Insurance Board and complained about the lack of money provided by the government in health insurance.
Employees of the Health Insurance Board checked karki’s house number and found that he had an additional balance of Rs 96,000 in his account. Karki lodged a complaint with the Health Insurance Board demanding action against Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital for harassing the insured associated with the health insurance program.
On the basis of the same complaint, the Health Insurance Board issued a letter to Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital the next day seeking an explanation as to why the health service was provided through insurance as the balance was zero despite having money. The Board has directed Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital to inform about the matter as soon as possible.
Insured Karki said that he was cheated in the health insurance scheme provided by the government even though he was educated. “The people of the villages may be cheated,” he said, adding, “The government and the concerned agencies should take appropriate steps to control such negligence.” ’
