Chitwan, Dec 17: The health insurance programme introduced by the government is gaining popularity in the urban areas rather than the rural areas of the district.
So far, 78,536 people have joined the programme under social health security in the district, according to the Social Health Security Office, Chitwan. Of them, 43,999 are from Bharatpur metropolis, 8,834 from Khairahani municipality and 11,341 from Ratnanagar municipality.

Likewise, 5,099 from Kalika municipality, 3,436 from Madi and 569 from Ichhyakamana municipalities have gained health insurance coverage.
The insurance programme has not been effective in the rural parts due to lack of awareness and also failure to reach the message out effectively, said Social Health Security Development Committee Chitwan Manager Srijana Poudel. Of those who joined the programme, 14,206 have already received services from it, she said.

A family of five members can join the government-run programme by paying Rs. 2,500 annually, which gives them an insurance coverage of up to Rs. 50,000. The maximum limitation is Rs. 100,000.
The services under the programme can be taken from the government hospital in Bharatpur, BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Chitwan Medical College, College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, the primary health centres in Khairahani, Jutpani and Shiva Nagar, the Ratnanagar Bakulhar Hospital, Baghauda Hospital, Gunjaman Singh Hospital and Bharatpur Eye Hospital.