Revolutionizing Medical Education: 100-Bed Hospitals to Offer Dual Nursing Programs

In a landmark decision by the Medical Education Commission on March 22, 2023, 100-bed hospitals have been given the green light to offer comprehensive nursing education across two pivotal levels: Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing). This progressive move, presided over by Commission Chairman and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, aims to expand and enrich nursing education, addressing the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals.

A Step Forward in Nursing Education

• Dual Program Approval: The commission's decision to amend existing procedures now allows these hospitals to facilitate both PCL and BSc Nursing programs, broadening educational opportunities for aspiring nurses.
• Expert Recommendations: Following recommendations from a dedicated working group led by Professor Sarla KC of the Nursing Council, this initiative is set to enhance the quality and accessibility of nursing education.
• Rigorous Standards: Hospitals aspiring to offer these programs must meet specific criteria, ensuring that the quality of education and clinical training remains top-notch.
• Educational Collaboration: The move also involves collaboration with universities and the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), emphasizing a multi-tiered approach to medical education.

Impact on Educational Institutions

Previously restricted to offering only one of the two programs, academic institutions with 100-bed hospitals, such as Susma Koirala Memorial Trust and B&B Hospital, can now expand their curriculum to include both levels of nursing education. This decision not only increases the educational offerings but also directly benefits 15 institutions ready to implement these changes immediately.

Community Response and Benefits

Nirmal Sapkota, a representative of the Medical Education Concern Sanghharsha Samiti Nepal, highlighted that this decision meets two of their three core demands, significantly impacting the landscape of medical education in Nepal. Moreover, the approval for dual programs addresses long-standing requests for flexibility in hospital-based nursing education, resolving a major issue faced by institutions post the enforcement of the National Medical Education Act 2075 and Regulations 2077.

This decision marks a significant step towards resolving the deadlock in nursing education, allowing for immediate implementation by eligible institutions. It addresses the practical challenges faced due to previous regulations, paving the way for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to nursing education. With this progressive change, the Medical Education Commission reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare education, promising a brighter future for aspiring nurses and the healthcare sector at large.