Kathmandu, July 10
More than 100 medical officers selected for contract service at the Health Insurance Board have declined their appointments, citing dissatisfaction with the job responsibilities outlined in the contract.
Out of the 180 medical officers shortlisted by the Board through a notice issued on June 1 for a three-month contract, around 110 have refused to accept their appointment letters. Despite completing the required training, they have demanded revisions to the terms of the contract and job description before joining.
The protesting officers have raised serious concerns about Clause 11 of the job description, which mandates the daily evaluation of 400 insurance claims or claims amounting to Rs 2.5 to 3 million. They argue that the target is unrealistic and unmanageable.
They also objected to Clause 12, which allows for four additional hours of overtime after completing the assigned work between 10 am and 5 pm. The officers say this provision violates their labour rights.
“We completed the three-day training, but reviewing 400 claims per day would mean spending less than a minute on each case — it’s just not feasible,” said one of the disgruntled officers, adding that realistically, only about 150 claims could be reviewed in a standard seven-hour workday.
The officers have also informed the Ministry of Health about their concerns.
According to Clause 18 of the job description, if the assigned tasks are not completed within working hours, medical officers are required to finish them on additional days without any extra benefits. Furthermore, salary payments will be made only after the supervisor verifies that the assigned work has been completed.
Despite the protest, Bikesh Malla Thakuri, spokesperson for the Health Insurance Board, defended the assigned workload.
“The target is not unscientific. Our current staff reviews up to 600 claims per day,” he told Onlinekhabar. “Today is the final deadline, and only 70 medical officers have collected their appointment letters so far.”
He added that those who fail to accept the appointment within the deadline will forfeit the opportunity, and it will be offered to alternate candidates.
