UML Returns Rs 3.86 Crore To State Treasury Over VIP Foreign Medical Treatment Expenses

Kathmandu — The CPN-UML has returned nearly Rs 3.86 crore to the state treasury after controversy grew over foreign medical treatment expenses of former high-level officials. The returned amount is reportedly connected to treatment costs of former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal.

The issue had come under public and legal attention after questions were raised about whether state funds were used against existing legal provisions. A writ petition had also been filed at the Supreme Court alleging that former dignitaries, including Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, KP Sharma Oli and Jhalanath Khanal, had received state money for treatment abroad.

The controversy became stronger after Nepal’s Supreme Court struck down a provision that allowed the government to bear foreign medical treatment expenses of former VIPs. The court ruled that such a rule was inconsistent with the constitution and existing laws. Reports also noted that legal restrictions introduced in 2018 had already limited the government from paying for an individual’s treatment abroad.

Foreign medical treatment expenses for political leaders have been a long-running public concern in Nepal. Critics have often argued that ordinary citizens struggle to get basic health services, while powerful leaders received large sums from the state for treatment in other countries. Earlier reports had also mentioned payments made to former officials for medical treatment, including former President Yadav and former Prime Minister Khanal.

The return of nearly Rs 3.86 crore is being seen as an important development in the debate over public money, political privilege and accountability. For many citizens, the case is not only about one refund, but about whether taxpayers’ money should be used for VIP treatment while Nepal’s public hospitals still lack enough resources.

The issue has also raised a bigger question for the government: should former leaders get special financial support for foreign treatment, or should public money be focused on strengthening hospitals and health services inside Nepal? With the Supreme Court’s decision and growing public pressure, the government may now face stronger calls to make health-related financial assistance more transparent and equal.