Brahmins, Chhetris outdo Dalits: Study
free health service
KANTIPUR REPORT
KATHMANDU, JUL 28 - Brahmins and Chhetris are the top beneficiaries of
free health service where as the number of Dalit recipients is low,
according to a report.
The report titled "Assessing Implementation of Nepal's Free Health
Care Policy" prepared as part of Health Sector Reform Support
Programme in June says 25.58 percent of Brahmins and Chhetris (out of
the total population of 28.44 percent) and 20.28 percent of Dalits
(out of the total population of 16.70 percent) utilised outpatient
services in the last four months.
The findings were based on a survey conducted by a team from CARE
Nepal conducted in 15 hospitals, 15 primary health care centers
(PHCCs), 47 health posts (HPs) and 91 sub-health posts (SHPs) of 13
districts from March to June. Availiability of drugs and access to
free health care were some of the bases of the study.
While the number of Bhramin and Chhetri people enjoying free health
service increased by 1.62 percent the Dalit number decreased by 2.36
percent compared to the record, the report says.
It says that 27.44 percent Brahmin and Chhetri, an increase by 6.65
percent, and 15.72 percent of Dalits, an increase by 1.48 percent,
utilised outpatient services at PHCCs.
"Lack of awareness among Dalits can be blamed for the disparity as
many of them are deprived of education and other facilities," said Dr.
Laxmi Raj Pathak, spokesman of the Ministry of Health and Population
(MoHP). "Another reason may be poverty Dalits are facing."
With a view to encourage more Dalits to use free health services, the MoHP
has included an awareness programme targeting Dalits in National
Health Sector Programme (NHSP), Implementation Plan II (2011-2016).
"The free health care is targeted mainly for minorities. Therefore, we
are planning to launch awareness and other programmes especially for
Dalits to enable them make the optimum use of free health services,"
Pathak said.
The free health care facility was started in 2006 that includes free
emergency and inpatient services nationwide for the poorest,
vulnerable, helpless and elderly citizens (above 60), among others in
25 districts, ranking lowest in Human Development Index. It was later
extended to 35 districts, the programme provided free outpatient
services to the same groups.
Similarly, the universal free care begun from 2008 to provide free
health services to all citizens at HPs and SHPs nationwide. Under the
programme, 32 essential drugs are provided free of cost by HPs and 22
by SHPs.
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