Achham, Oct. 26 -- Bayalpata Hospital, which has long been recognised for its model of accessible rural healthcare in Achham, has suspended both health insurance and services under its social security unit since mid-August. The move comes after the hospital was brought under government management. Hundreds of patients, mostly poor and vulnerable, are now unable to afford treatment.

Sixty-five-year-old Basanti Shahi from ward 2 of Turmakhand Rural Municipality arrived at Bayalpata Hospital last week seeking orthopedic treatment. She was aware that the hospital, which had provided specialised care free of charge for nearly 17 years, began charging patients from mid-October. But she expected to be covered under the government's health insur...