National Health Policy
Background
The Constitution of Nepal recognizes basic health care as a fundamental right of every citizen. With the transition to a federal governance system, it has become the state’s responsibility to ensure equitable access to quality health services for all, in alignment with the principles of federalism.
The National Health Policy 2019 (2076) has been formulated based on the constitutional provisions that outline the exclusive and concurrent responsibilities of federal, provincial, and local governments. It is further shaped by the policies and programs of the Government of Nepal, international commitments undertaken by the country, as well as the existing challenges, available resources, and evidence in the health sector. This policy aims to strengthen Nepal’s healthcare system by addressing gaps, promoting sustainable health services, and ensuring that health remains a national priority at all levels of governance.
Vision
To achieve healthy, aware, and conscious citizens oriented towards a happy life.
Mission
To ensure the fundamental health rights of citizens through optimal and effective use of resources, collaboration, and partnerships.
Goal
To develop and expand a health system for all citizens in the federal structure based on social justice and good governance and ensure access to and utilization of quality health services.
Objectives
- To create opportunities for all citizens to use their constitutional rights to health.
- To develop, expand and improve all types of health systems as per the federal structure.
- To improve the quality of health services delivered by health institutions of all levels and to ensure easy access to those services.
- To strengthen social health protection system by integrating the most marginalized sections.
- To promote multi-sectoral partnership and collaboration between governmental, non-governmental and private sectors and to promote community involvement,
- To transform the health sector from profit-orientation to service-orientation.
Policies
- Free basic health services shall be ensured at all levels of health institutions as specified.
- Easy access to specialist services shall be ensured through health insurance.
- All Nepali citizens shall have easy access to basic emergency health services.
- The health system shall be restructured, improved, developed, and expanded according to the federal structure, integrating central, provincial, and local levels.
- Promotional, preventive, therapeutic, rehabilitative, and palliative services shall be developed and expanded based on the concept of Universal Health Coverage.
- Cooperation and partnerships between governmental, non-governmental, and private health sectors shall be promoted, along with their management and monitoring. Investment in health education, services, and research shall be encouraged among private, national, and international investors.
- Ayurveda, yoga, homeopathy, and naturopathy shall be developed and expanded in an integrated manner.
- Skilled human resources for health shall be developed and expanded based on population size, geography, and the federal structure to ensure accessible, effective, and high-quality health services.
- The structure of health professional councils shall be developed, expanded, and improved to ensure accountability and quality in health services provided by individuals and institutions.
- Domestic production of quality medicines and medical technologies shall be promoted, and their accessibility and appropriate utilization shall be ensured through effective regulation, production, supply, storage, and distribution.
- Measures shall be implemented to control communicable diseases, insect-borne and animal-borne diseases, climate change-related health issues, epidemics, and disasters.
- Individuals, families, communities, and relevant agencies shall be made responsible for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, with an integrated health system developed and expanded accordingly.
- Nutritional status shall be improved by discouraging the consumption of adulterated and harmful foods and by promoting, producing, and ensuring access to quality and healthy foods.
- Health research shall meet international standards, and its findings shall be effectively utilized in policy formulation, planning, and health system development.
- The Health Management Information System shall be modernized, improved in quality, and made technology-friendly through integration and development.
- The right to health-related information and the right of beneficiaries to know about their treatment shall be ensured.
- Mental health, oral health, and eye, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) health services shall be developed and expanded.
- The quality of services provided by hospitals and all health institutions shall be ensured.
- Good governance and improvements in health policies, institutional structures, and managerial frameworks shall be ensured through timely amendments.
- Health services across all stages of life, including safe motherhood, child health, adolescent health, reproductive health, adult health, and senior citizen care, shall be developed and expanded.
- Necessary financial resources and special funds shall be allocated for the sustainable development of the health sector.
- Urbanization and internal and external migration shall be managed to address public health challenges arising from these phenomena.
- Demographic statistics shall be systematically managed, researched, and analyzed to inform policy decisions and program design.
- Antimicrobial resistance shall be reduced, a unified health policy shall be developed for the control and management of communicable diseases, and environmental pollution including air, noise, and water pollution shall be scientifically regulated and controlled.
- Appropriate measures shall be taken to mitigate public health risks associated with immigration, and the health security of Nepali citizens living abroad shall be ensured.
Sources:
DOHS, Annual Report 2077/78 (2020/21)
DOHS Annual Report 2075/2076 (2018/2019)
