Kathmandu, November 27
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is set to introduce free video X-ray services starting next week as part of its health promotion initiatives. The service will initially be available at health promotion centres in Wards 12, 26, and 30, which are covered by the city’s health insurance program.
Service Schedule
- Sunday and Monday: Residents of Wards 12, 19, and 14 can avail of services at Ward 12.
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Residents of Wards 16, 26, and 27 can visit the centre in Ward 27.
- Thursday and Friday: Residents of Wards 10 and 30 can access services at Ward 30.
Health promotion centres in all insured wards have been equipped with video X-ray machines. The city plans to expand services to additional wards based on demand.
Key health centres designated as contact points
Nine health promotion centres, including those in Ramghat (Ward 8), Balkhu (Ward 14), Kankeshwori (Ward 19), Lainchaur (Ward 26), Gyaneshwor (Ward 30), Balaju (Ward 16), Mahabauddha (Ward 27), Teku (Ward 12), and Chabahil (Ward 7), have been designated as primary contact points. Five of these centres have already been approved by the Health Insurance Board, while the remaining five are in the approval process.
Focus on non-communicable diseases
To identify non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the city has initiated tests for diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney diseases. The program was launched by Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain, who performed a blood pressure test at a one-stop service centre.
According to Deepak KC, head of the Health Department, the city aims to screen 50,000 individuals for diagnostic health services to assess their health conditions and design future programs based on the findings.
Monthly awareness programs
KMC is conducting awareness and diagnostic programs each month, focusing on specific health issues:
- April: Eye health and environmental concerns.
- May: Oral, nasal, and throat health.
- June: Senior citizens and disability support.
- July: Newborn and child health, nutrition, and breastfeeding.
- August: Hypertension.
- September: Diabetes and obesity.
- October: Healthy eating and lifestyle awareness.
- November: Kidney and chronic diseases.
- December: Respiratory and other chronic illnesses.
- January: Substance abuse and road safety.
- February: Cancer and reproductive health.
- March: Mental health.
Rising burden of NCDs
According to Public Health Inspector Dhanendra Shrestha, NCDs account for 71% of deaths in Nepal, as per the 2022/23 Federal Health Department report. Major contributors include cancer, chronic kidney diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. Individuals spend 37% of their health expenses out-of-pocket for NCD treatments, which could be reduced through timely diagnosis and prevention.
Health insurance for representatives and employees
KMC plans to complete health insurance registration for its representatives and employees by mid-December, with implementation scheduled for February. Currently, 100,000 families (approximately 400,000 individuals) are registered under the city’s insurance program, with an increasing patient load in insured wards.
The insurance initiative began in January 2024, following a memorandum of understanding with the Health Insurance Board. KMC continues to expand its health services to improve accessibility and reduce healthcare costs for its residents.
