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Most of the women in rural areas are illiterate and they do not have decision making power.
Therefore, to make them aware regarding their situation and also to empower them, we implemented a microfinance programme in the community
Through this programme, they received money to uplift their economic status, but what about their health?
They are not aware of their health status or the available health services in their community.
Often, the patient is not able to afford the services provided by the health facilities available.
Considering these factors, Dhulikhel Hospital has begun a micro-insurance programme to improve maternal and child health.
A woman has to pay Rs 50 per month and from this money, she could obtain all the available services of Dhulikhel Hospital free of cost
like free consultations, free medications, free check-ups, and diagnostic services; our beneficiaries have greatly benefited from this programme.
The women involved in the Micro-finance programme have saved around Rs. 100 to 200 every month;
consequently, the 50Rs. fee is small in comparison to the amount they have saved.
For example, a case of pneumonia is expected to cost around Rs 1500 to 2000 to treat, but now, they are receiving this treatment free of cost
Because of this benefit, other women in the community are interested to get involved in the micro-insurance programme.
It has been one year since we became involved with this programme.
We are paying 50 Rs per month and we are receiving many benefits.
When we go for treatment, we have to pay around 400 to 500
but now we are getting the services free of cost
We used to think that once we became sick, we would have to spend lots of money for treatment.
Now, we do not think like that so I am very happy with it.
I do not have to ask my husband for money.
With the amount saved from treatment, I can do more work.
We are getting different kinds of diagnostic services free of cost like urine tests, blood tests, etc.
Before, we had to have at least 800 to 900 Rs. with us when we visited health facilities, but now, we do not have to carry even one rupee with us.
Sometimes, we did not have money and we had to borrow it from others with interest.
Now, the hospital is providing this service and we do not have to worry about money.
Micro health insurance brings smile in their faces
From my family, two of us are getting health services free of cost.
We do not have to pay even 5 Rs., not even for the registration; this is a great benefit for us.
When we go for check-ups for minor diseases, like the common cold or fever, we have to spend around 500 to 600 Rs.
Now, we are free from those expenses.
For this, we are depositing Rs. 50 per month.
Last time, I visited the health centre for a common cold and pneumonia.
I am also taking medicines for gastritis; the medicines for gastritis are not that expensive,
but in case of pneumonia, the health centre sister told me that it will cost Rs. 25 per pill.
For pneumonia, we have to take medicines for at least 7 days, three times a day and now we do not have to pay even a single penny.
This is solely benefitting us, not the hospital.
Fifty rupees is not a big deal for us.
Sometimes, we might get sick twice in a month
and sometimes we will not get sick even once, but this does not mean that we lost our money. This money will be in our group.
Nowadays, I visit the health centre even for minor colds.
The main aim for visiting the health centre is to consult with the sisters over there who teach us regarding different health issues like the causes of disease and how to prevent them.
We are greatly benefitting from this health centre as our health and economic conditions are improving by involving in these groups.
Micro-health insurance: Big community impact