Government to Establish Government-Funded Medical Colleges in Seven Regions

In a major stride towards enhancing healthcare education accessibility, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology of Nepal has announced plans to set up government-funded medical colleges in seven different regions across the country. The announcement was made by Minister Ashok Rai during a program held at the Triyuga Municipality assembly hall on 10 February 2024, Saturday, following his visit to inspect the proposed site for a medical college in Gaighat, Udayapur.

The initiative aims to decentralize health education, making it readily accessible to students across various districts. The regions earmarked for these new institutions include Ilam, Udaipur, Bardibas, Butwal, Surkhet, Kailali, and Dadeldhura. Highlighting the government's commitment to this cause, Minister Rai mentioned that Shahid Dashrathchand University of Health Sciences has already been established in Kailali, with plans to commence the student admission process in the next academic year.

Addressing challenges in land acquisition, particularly in Udaipur, Minister Rai stressed the urgency of the situation and called upon the Triyuga municipality to facilitate the acquisition of approximately one hundred bigha of land in the Farseth area of Trinpa 4 Wagaha, earmarked for the medical college's construction.

Further, Minister Rai underscored the importance of passing the Federal Education Act, which has been under discussion in the Parliament. He noted that the Act initially drafted in 2075 BS but only brought to Parliament in 2079 BS after his tenure began, faces significant hurdles with 152 MPs proposing 1,758 amendments. The resolution of these issues is crucial for the Act's enactment, which is expected to bolster federalism through comprehensive legal frameworks encompassing the Police Act, Civil Act, Technical Education Act, and Higher Education Act.

The Triyuga Municipality, led by Mayor Basant Kumar Basnet, has reportedly made progress in land acquisition for the medical college, demonstrating effective collaboration between the central and local governments.

This ambitious project not only aims to expand the reach of medical education but also to strengthen Nepal's healthcare system by producing skilled healthcare professionals across the nation. The government's proactive approach to overcoming legislative and logistical challenges reflects its dedication to improving healthcare education and accessibility in Nepal.