Life expectancy to be increased to 73 years

Kathmandu / Oct 23: The mid-term expenditure report published by the National Planning Commission envisions increasing the life expectancy of Nepalis to 73 years in two years’ time. The life expectancy is 72 years.

The report states that the life expectancy of a Nepali was 69 two years back.

It is stated that the life expectancy has increased as the country has made notable improvement in infant, child and maternal health in recent years.

The state also provides some financial support in treatment of non-communicable diseases like heart ailment, kidney disease and cancer.

Likewise, the report has set the target of reducing maternal mortality rate (per 100,000 live births) to 125 from 239, the under-five child mortality rate (1,000 live births) to 26 from39 and the infant mortality rate (per 1,000 live birth) to17 from 23 by 2077 BS.

The constitution has guaranteed the right to basic health services as the fundamental rights of the citizen.

The report further states that the number of women receiving maternity services through health institutions will be increased from existing 57 percent to 72 percent and the number of those getting such services from trained health workers will be reached from 58 to 72 percent.

Neonate and maternity services in government health facilities are free in Nepal. Besides, the Ministry of Health and Population provides transport allowance of Rs 1,000 to a woman delivering a child in the government health facilities.

Similarly, it has been determined to reduce the number of new HIV infected from existing 801 to 710 and to achieve 90 percent success in the treatment of identified Tuberculosis patients.

The report insisted on the need of increasing people’s access to quality health services through the effective implementation of the health policy, strategies and the Insurance Act. RSS