KATHMANDU, JUNE 29

Nepal Policy Institute (NPI) Chair Dr. Khagendra Raj Dhakal has recommended adopting key elements of Thailand's "30 Baht Scheme" to advance Nepal's efforts toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

During a meeting with Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel in Bangkok on June 26, held on the sidelines of the United Nations Regional Ministerial Meeting, Dr. Dhakal presented the Thai model as an example of affordable, equitable, efficient, tax-funded healthcare. The discussion centered on expanding Nepal's National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) and ensuring broader access, especially for underserved populations.

Thailand's 30 Baht Scheme, introduced in 2001, initially allowed citizens to access comprehensive care for a nominal fee, later becoming fully tax-funded. It now covers nearly 75% of Thailand's population through the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), complemented by two other schemes-Social Security (SSS) and Civil Servant Medical Benefits (CSMBS)-bringing overall coverage to over 99%, Dr Dhakal said.

Dr. Dhakal highlighted that the model ensures affordable services such as outpatient and inpatient care, maternal health, diagnostics, and chronic disease management, primarily through public facilities. He recommended Nepal adopt a unified UHC framework, digitize NHIP enrollment, link health promotion funding to sin taxes, and pilot reforms in digitally capable provinces.

Minister Paudel welcomed the recommendations, expressing interest in exploring further collaboration with NPI on health financing, digital integration, and policy innovation. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding health coverage and reforming the NHIP to better serve Nepal's informal sector and low-income groups.

The meeting was attended by Joint Secretary Dhundiraj Niraula, Deputy Chief of Mission in Bangkok Moti Bahadur Shrees, and the Minister's Personal Secretary, Pawan Poudel. On the occasion, Dr. Dhakal also handed over NPI's Knowledge Bridge newsletter to Minister Paudel.

NPI expressed appreciation for the Minister's openness to regional best practices and commitment to evidence-based health reform.