A development economist, Dr Raghu Raj Kafle, has been appointed the Executive Director of Health Insurance Board.

Among three persons shortlisted and recommended by the selection committee, Dr Kafle was able to secure the post, according to the private secretariat of Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel.

A total of 10 candidates selected out of those applying for the post had made presentations and undergone interviews on March 2-3.

The selection committee recommended Dr Krishna Prasad Adhikari and Kamal Panthi along with Dr Kafle before the Council of Ministers.

Earlier, Dr Kafle was a member of the health insurance reform taskforce formed by Minister Paudel.

The taskforce had handed over a report to the Minister, suggesting how the health insurance scheme could be improved.

Moreover, the development economist has the experience of working as Vice Chairman of Gandaki Policy and Planning Commission, and Executive of the Foreign Employment Board.

He had also worked for over a decade at UNDP as a senior officer.