Supreme Court Nullifies Provision for State-Funded Overseas Medical Treatment for Former VIPs

The Supreme Court has invalidated the legal provision that allowed former distinguished individuals to have their medical expenses abroad reimbursed from the state treasury. The court annulled Section 12(1) of the Civil Relief, Compensation and Financial Assistance Procedure, 2073 (2016). Advocate Radika Chamlagai had petitioned for its cancellation, arguing that this procedure conflicted with the Constitution and existing laws. April 27, Kathmandu.

The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench ruled on Monday that the provision permitting former high-ranking state officials (VIPs) to seek reimbursement from the government for overseas medical treatment was unconstitutional and therefore revoked it. Supreme Court spokesperson Arjun Koirala confirmed that the disputed procedure conflicted with the Constitution and related statutes. However, the court has not yet released a detailed summary of the order.

Previously, former government officials, despite having access to medical treatment within the country, often traveled abroad for treatment with the cabinet’s approval and the state would cover their expenses. Although the Public Health Act enacted in 2018 sought to restrict such practices, a separate procedure still allowed preferential treatment for certain former officials to receive care abroad at state expense. With the Supreme Court’s annulment of that procedure, state-funded overseas medical treatment for such individuals is now deemed illegal.