The Ministry of Finance has released an additional Rs 3.84 billion for health-related programs, including payment of health insurance.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel took the decision to this effect based on the demand of the Ministry of Health and Population, the Finance Minister's Secretariat said.

According to the Finance Ministry, of the amount released, Rs 3 billion has been allocated to the Health Insurance Board, Rs 600 million for the treatment of senior citizens and Rs 240 million to the Sahid Gangalal National Heart Centre for free treatment of heart patients.