Nepal Health Professional Council (NHPC)

The Nepal Health Professional Council (NHPC - नेपाल स्वास्थ्य व्यवसायी परिषद) plays a crucial role in the healthcare system of Nepal. Established under the Nepal Health Professional Council Act 2053, NHPC is an autonomous organization with a significant mission. Its core objective is to systematize the registration of diverse health professionals, excluding specific categories like medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and Ayurvedic practitioners. This initiative is vital for integrating these professionals into a legal framework, ensuring their services are delivered effectively, with high quality, and in a scientifically sound manner.

Features:

• Manages regulation of health professionals, excluding certain categories like doctors and nurses.
• Sets curriculum and admission criteria for health education institutions.
• Oversees the registration process for qualified health professionals.
• Ensures high standards in health education and professional practices.
• Formulates policies to improve healthcare systems.
• Provides legal framework and ethical guidelines for health professionals.
• Continuously evaluates and reviews health education programs.
• Enhances public health by ensuring competency of health workers.
• Engages in international collaborations for global standard alignment.
• Supports professional development and training for health professionals.

Key Focus Areas of NHPC

NHPC focuses on several key areas to enhance the healthcare landscape in Nepal:

• Registration of Health Professionals: Central to NHPC's mandate is registering health professionals according to their qualifications. This process ensures that only qualified professionals contribute to the healthcare sector.

• Quality Assurance: By bringing various health professionals into a legal and regulated environment, NHPC aims to enhance the quality and timeliness of healthcare services in Nepal.

• Educational Programme Recognition: NHPC has recognized seventeen educational programs and is in the process of acknowledging more, ensuring that educational standards meet the current healthcare needs of Nepal.

• Development of Relevant Programmes: NHPC is actively involved in developing and updating programs like PCL Orthopedics to align with Nepal's evolving healthcare demands.

List of NHPC Recognized Programmes

NHPC recognizes a wide range of educational programs, reflecting the diverse needs of Nepal's healthcare system. These include:

• Health Education: Focuses on teaching and promoting health and wellness concepts to communities and individuals.

• Medicine: Comprehensive study of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses and injuries in patients.

• Public Health: Deals with the science and art of preventing diseases, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts.

• Medical Microbiology: Studies microorganisms relevant to medicine, encompassing the understanding of infectious diseases.

• Diagnostic Health Lab: Focuses on the analysis of bodily fluids and tissues for diagnosing diseases.

• Diagnostic Radiography: Involves imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries.

• Diagnostic Radiotherapy: Specializes in using radiation for the treatment of various diseases, primarily cancer.

• Diagnostic Cytology: Studies cells and cellular anomalies to diagnose diseases, including cancer.

• Diagnostic Hematology: Concentrates on diseases related to blood and its components.

• Diagnostic Biochemistry: Involves chemical and biochemical testing for disease diagnosis and management.

• Ayurved: Ancient Indian system of medicine focused on natural healing and wellness.

• Homeopathy: Alternative medicine based on the principle of treating 'like with like'.

• Unani: Traditional system of healing and health maintenance observed in South Asia.

• Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese medicine technique involving needle insertion to stimulate specific body points.

• Physiotherapy: Therapeutic approach focusing on the movement, function, and physical rehabilitation of patients.

• Community-Based Rehabilitation: Programs aimed at rehabilitating and integrating people with disabilities into their communities.

• Prosthetic & Orthotic: Specializes in creating and fitting artificial limbs and supportive orthopedic devices.

• Dental Assistant: Course focused on assisting dental professionals in patient care and office management.

• Naturopathy: Emphasizes natural and holistic approaches to health and healing.

• Yoga: Ancient practice focusing on physical postures, breath control, and meditation for health and relaxation.

• Ophthalmology: Medical and surgical care of the eyes, including vision services.

• Operation Theatre And Allied Health Sciences: Comprehensive study of perioperative care and various allied health services.

• Clinical Psychology: Focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

• Speech And Hearing: Specializes in communication disorders, including speech, language, and hearing impairments.

Roles and Responsibilities of the NHPC

NHPC plays a pivotal role in streamlining healthcare services in Nepal. Its structure and operational framework are designed to ensure the effective regulation and enhancement of health professions in the country. Here's a detailed look at the functions, duties, and powers of the NHPC, its council meetings, committees, and the registrar's role.

Functions, Duties, and Powers of the NHPC

1. Policy Formulation: NHPC is responsible for creating policies that facilitate smooth operation in the health profession sector.

2. Curriculum and Examination Oversight: It determines and evaluates the curricula, admission terms, and examination policies of educational institutions in the health profession field.

3. Professional Qualification Standards: NHPC sets the qualification criteria for health professionals and manages the registration of those meeting these standards.

Council Meetings and Decision-Making

1. Meeting Schedules: The NHPC Council meets as directed by the chairperson, typically three times annually. Additional meetings can be convened if deemed necessary.

2. Meeting Conduct: Meetings are chaired by the chairperson or, in their absence, by a member selected by the attending members.

Committees within NHPC

1. Committee Formation: The Council has the authority to establish various thematic committees for implementing its decisions.

2. Committee Operations: The specifics regarding the functions, duties, powers, and meeting procedures of these committees are defined by the Council.

Functions, Duties, and Powers of the Registrar

1. Implementation of Decisions: The registrar is tasked with executing the Council's decisions.

2. Meeting Preparation: The registrar prepares the agenda for Council meetings.

3. Additional Responsibilities: Other functions and powers of the registrar are determined as per the Council's regulations.