Syndicate in Health Checkups for Foreign Employment Ends, Listing Opened for New Health Institutions

The ‘syndicate’ system in health checkups for workers going abroad for foreign employment is set to be dismantled. The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security issued a notice on Tuesday (March 31/Chait 17) stating that, following a ministerial decision, the listing of new health institutions has been opened. According to the ministry, health institutions approved by the Government of Nepal or those owned by the government can now apply to be listed to conduct medical examinations for migrant workers, and the necessary process has already begun. Previously, workers were required to undergo health checkups only at a limited number of government-designated institutions, which charged around NPR 6,600 per person. With the new decision, the existing ‘syndicate’ is expected to end and workers are likely to get more accessible and competitive services.