Nepal’s 3% ‘Health Equity Fee’ on private hospitals draws backlash

KATHMANDU: The government’s decision to impose a 3 percent “Health Equity Fee” on treatment at private health institutions has come into full effect, making private healthcare more expensive and triggering widespread criticism from patients, healthcare providers and consumer advocates.

Introduced through the fiscal year 2026/27 Finance Bill, the fee was scheduled to take effect from […] ...