🔎 Overall Budget Context
For fiscal year 2082/83, Koshi Province has allocated a total budget of NPR 35.87 billion, prioritizing health, education, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and tourism. Of this, NPR 3.51 billion (nearly 10%) is dedicated to health, reflecting a substantial commitment to public health and social protection.
🏥 Key Highlights of the Health Budget
1️⃣ Health Infrastructure and Service Expansion
- Upgrading the Shailaja Acharya Cardiac Center into a specialist hospital to improve tertiary care.
- NPR 62.5 million allocated for modern equipment and health workforce recruitment.
- Expansion of mental health services in all provincial hospitals.
- Strengthening of Ayurvedic, homeopathic, and alternative medical services.
- Launch of Koshi Provincial Mobile Hospital Services for rural outreach.
2️⃣ Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
- “My Health, My Responsibility” campaign to promote yoga, healthy lifestyles, and routine screening for non-communicable diseases.
- Integrated screening for women (cervical and breast cancer, fistula, infertility).
- Ongoing support and incentives for Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs).
3️⃣ Laboratory and Epidemic Preparedness
- NPR 31 million allocated to strengthen the Provincial Public Health Laboratory as a regional reference lab.
- Improved laboratory monitoring, regulation, and inspection systems.
4️⃣ Maternal and Child Health
- Free prenatal check-ups and healthcare for targeted pregnant women and children under 10.
- Full immunization coverage for all children.
- Expansion of the School Nursing Program.
5️⃣ Health Insurance and Service Access
- Expansion of health insurance to vulnerable and marginalized populations.
- Introduction of comprehensive elderly health screening and geriatric services.
📊 Budget Snapshot
| Program Area | Budget Allocation |
| Overall Health Sector Development | NPR 3.51 Billion |
| Mental Health Expansion | Included |
| Public Health Laboratory Strengthening | NPR 31 Million |
| Screening & Free Health Services | Included |
| Health Insurance Extension | Included |
Highlighted Health Budget Part Only from the Official
🔬 Strategic Health Policy Priorities
- Prevention-Oriented Approach: Focus on disease prevention, health promotion, and early detection.
- Decentralized Health System Strengthening: Mobile hospital services and local government collaboration.
- Equitable Health Financing: Health insurance expansion for vulnerable groups.
- Workforce Capacity Building: Continuous training and skill upgrades for health workers.
- Integrated Mental Health Services: Mainstreaming mental health in all provincial hospitals.
🌿 Additional Major Focus Areas
- Strengthening FCHVs’ roles.
- Adolescent empowerment, early marriage prevention, and reproductive health education.
- Geriatric healthcare and elderly screening.
- Expanding insurance subsidies for marginalized groups.
🌐 Koshi Province Health System: Looking Ahead
- Accelerated health infrastructure development.
- Investment in digital health and telemedicine.
- Development of specialized hospital networks.
- Enhanced pandemic preparedness and laboratory capacity.
🏛️ Budget Authenticity and Policy Relevance
Koshi Province’s budget aligns with Nepal’s national priorities: sustainable growth, social protection, and good governance. The province’s health allocation is data-driven, focusing on equity, quality, and innovation. Key features include:
- Fiscal Discipline: Transparent allocation and monitoring.
- Inclusive Growth: Targeted support for women, children, elderly, and people with disabilities.
- SDG Alignment: The budget supports Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through universal coverage, preventive care, and financial protection.
- Federal Synergy: Coordination with federal grants and local governments for effective implementation.
📈 Conclusion
Koshi Province’s 2082/83 health budget is a blueprint for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nepal. Its focus on primary care, quality improvement, insurance-based financial protection, and inclusion of vulnerable groups demonstrates a forward-thinking, sustainable vision for health sector transformation. The province is poised to set benchmarks for innovation, resilience, and equity in public health.
Read Full Budget File HERE
Discover more from Public Health Concern Nepal
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
