Students who have studied BSc Nutrition and Dietetics at the Central Campus of Technology in Dharan are facing career problems due to a lack of license even after completing their studies. The campus is the only place where nutrition and dietetics are studied in Nepal, and every year, 30 students pass out from there. However, the lack of a license is causing them to miss out on government job opportunities.
Background:
In 2068, the Ministry of Health and Population and Tribhuvan University signed an agreement to provide teaching in nutrition and dietetics at the Central Campus of Technology. The program was initiated due to a need identified by the National Planning Commission. However, at the time, no one was aware that a Nepal Health Professional Council (NHPC) registration was required for students who completed the program to be able to apply for government jobs.
Current Situation:
The Public Service Commission has recently advertised for the position of Nutrition Officer. However, candidates must be registered with the NHPC to be eligible to apply. This has caused difficulties for the students who have completed the BSc Nutrition and Dietetics program as they do not have the required license. The Departmental Head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Kavindra Bhattarai, has stated that the lack of a license is depriving the students of opportunities in government service.
Efforts to Resolve the Issue:
The campus and the students have requested support from the Medical Education Commission, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant agencies to resolve the issue. However, the matter is yet to be resolved. The Ministry of Health has stated that an umbrella law for health-related matters is in the works and that the issue of licensing for BSc Nutrition and Dietetics students will be included in the same law. However, there is no certainty as to when the law will come into effect.
A separate council has demanded BSc Nutrition and Dietetics students. A case was filed in the Supreme Court for this matter two years ago, but the hearing has not yet been conducted. The students who have completed the program have been able to find employment in hospitals, but they are still under mental stress due to the lack of a license.
Overall, The lack of a license is causing significant problems for the students who have completed the BSc Nutrition and Dietetics program. They are missing out on government job opportunities, and the issue is causing them mental stress. Efforts have been made to resolve the issue, including requesting support from relevant agencies and filing a case in the Supreme Court. However, the matter remains unresolved, and the students are still facing career ruin due to the lack of a license.
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