Lalitpur Mayor Pledges to Cover Insurance Payments for Patan Hospital

Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan has expressed his commitment that the metropolitan city will personally cover the insurance payments for the health programs run in collaboration with Patan Hospital if the Government of Nepal fails to do so. He made this statement while addressing the 18th anniversary program of the Patan Academy of Health Sciences.

Mayor Maharjan drew the government's attention to the fact that the non-payment of insurance amounts has created difficulties in operating the hospital. He mentioned that if services were ever forced to shut down due to a lack of payment, he would have to face the direct responsibility and criticism.

The City Chief clarified that if the Government of Nepal grants permission through an official letter or hands over the payment responsibility to the metropolis, the metropolitan city itself will fulfill that obligation. Mayor Maharjan also informed that a new health center is being established based on the technical advice and suggestions of Patan Hospital, which will come into operation in the near future.

According to him, once this center is operational, city residents will receive quality services through the National Health Insurance Board, and this collaboration between Lalitpur Metropolis and Patan Hospital will serve as an exemplary practice for the other 753 local levels in the country.

He said, "Based on the suggestions and advice of Patan Hospital, we are building another health center installed with necessary facilities. We are going to open it in the near future. Once that is opened, we can provide very good service under the National Health Insurance Board. Among the 753 local levels in the country, the work that Lalitpur Metropolitan City has initiated in collaboration with Patan Hospital has become a best practice for all municipalities."

He further added, "Currently, I hear that the Government of Nepal has not paid the money. Talking about insurance with the Minister made me feel dizzy. If by any chance this health center has to be closed because the Nepal government did not make the payment, I will be the one receiving the most criticism. Please make the payments due to Patan Hospital on time; they are facing problems. If the Government of Nepal issues a letter saying Lalitpur Metropolitan City should make this payment for the time being, I will pay it. I'll take whatever comes."

Mayor Maharjan stated that among the 752 other municipalities, Lalitpur Metropolis has succeeded in becoming an exemplary one.