Nepal's Insufficient Budget for Non-Communicable Diseases Raises Concerns

KATHMANDU — The Nepalese government's recent allocation of NPR 21.1 million (approximately USD 160,000) for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has sparked alarm among public health experts and officials. This funding is alarmingly low, especially considering that NCDs account for a staggering 73 percent of total deaths in the country, as reported in the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

The budget allocation falls significantly short of the NPR 35 million ceiling budget set for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 and is a reduction from the NPR 47 million allocated in the previous fiscal year. Dr. Pomawati Thapa, Chief of the Non-communicable Disease and Mental Health Section at the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, expressed her concerns, stating, "We had planned several preventive measures against the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, but the allocated budget does not allow us to move forward."

The rise in NCDs is alarming. According to the Nepal Burden of Disease report from 2017, NCDs were responsible for 66 percent of total deaths, a figure that rose to 71.1 percent by 2019. Dr. Meghnath Dhimal, Chief Researcher at the Nepal Health Research Council, noted that the ratio has now increased to 73 percent, emphasizing the urgent need for preventive measures. "Despite the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, we have not invested much in preventive measures," he stated.

The government’s allocation for NCDs also encompasses mental health programs, complicating the situation further. The Supreme Court of Nepal, in a ruling dated December 2, 2024, mandated that mental health and NCD programs be funded separately, which necessitates additional budgetary allocations. This ruling emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health, including the enactment of mental health legislation and the development of a multidisciplinary workforce.

Preventive measures against NCDs, as highlighted by various health experts, should focus on addressing risk factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Dr. Basudev Karki, a mental health expert, stated, "I don’t think the budget allocated for the non-communicable diseases and mental health programmes is enough to carry out preventive measures extensively."

Current public health strategies also include financial relief for individuals suffering from severe health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and renal failure. While these measures provide immediate assistance, experts argue that they are merely curative and do little to alleviate the overall disease burden. Public health experts are advocating for free testing for NCDs, which could significantly impact early diagnosis and treatment.

The growing prevalence of NCDs in Nepal, coupled with the insufficient budget, poses a significant threat to public health. Experts warn that without increased investment in preventive healthcare and education on healthy lifestyle choices, the country may face a public health crisis. The call for action is clear: a proactive approach is required to mitigate the rising tide of non-communicable diseases and improve overall health outcomes in Nepal.

In conclusion, as the government prepares for the upcoming fiscal year, the need for substantial increases in budget allocations for NCDs and mental health initiatives becomes increasingly urgent. By prioritizing preventive measures, Nepal has the potential to save countless lives and improve the health landscape of the nation.