Debate Arises Over Integrating Medical Educational Institutes in Nepal

Kathmandu, October 16th - A new discourse is emerging in Nepal concerning the potential consolidation of educational institutions, particularly those related to medical education. The introduction of the Shahid Dashrath Chand National Health Sciences University Bill, 2080 to the Upper House of the Federal Parliament has ignited this discussion. This bill proposes the establishment of Nepal's first university dedicated to medical sciences.

Key Developments:

• Unified Medical Education: Education, Science and Technology Minister, Ashok Kumar Rai, expressed the possibility of integrating medical colleges, which are currently functioning as separate entities. He emphasized that the under-review Shahid Dashrath Chand National Health Sciences University will be singularly focused on medical education.

• Parliamentary Discussion: Members of the National Assembly, including Devendra Dahal and Parvati Rawal Thapa, advocated for the unification of institutions related to medical science.

• Status of the University: While most of the infrastructure required for the university's establishment is in place, the academic operations remain on hold due to legislative constraints. Notably, 24 medical colleges affiliated with Kathmandu University and Tribhuvan University are already operational.

• Historical Context: Former Finance Minister Ramsharan Mahat first allocated funds for the university's construction in the fiscal year 2072/073 BS. The university's central office is located in Geta, Godavari Municipality-5 of Sudurpashchim Pradesh. Although the decision to establish a medical college in Geta dates back to 2066 BS, 53 physical structures have been erected in the subsequent seven years. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has announced that the same structure will host academic and health services, inclusive of teaching hospitals.

A Progressive Move for Appointments:

In a groundbreaking decision, the bill suggests the appointment of the vice-chancellor and other officials of Shahid Dashrath Chand National Health Sciences University through open competition. This contrasts with previous practices where vice-chancellors were directly appointed under the purview of the Minister of Education, Science and Technology.

The bill details the appointment process:

• A three-member recommendation committee, chaired by a University Assembly member, will oversee the appointment.
• The committee will initiate an open competition, shortlisting between three to seven candidates based on received applications and subsequent interviews.
• The committee will then propose the names of the top two candidates to the assembly, with the assembly selecting the vice-chancellor within thirty days.

Minister Ashok Kumar Rai expressed optimism about this open competition system. He believes that officials and academic leaders emerging from this process will prioritize quality and effective teaching. He further hopes that feedback and revisions during the bill's discussion will position the university as a leading institution for medical education in Asia.