Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel has stated that efforts are underway to create an environment in Nepal to provide postgraduate (PG) medical education to doctors from the Maldives.
While in New York, USA, to address the 58th session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development, Minister Paudel, during a meeting with Maldives’ Minister of State for Health Khadija Abdul Samad Abdulla, shared that based on previous discussions with the Health Minister of the Maldives, a committee has already been formed and work is ongoing to facilitate the study process.
During the meeting, State Minister Abdulla mentioned that the relationship between Nepal and the Maldives is cordial and that students from the Maldives feel comfortable in Nepal. Hence, they are interested in sending their students to study in Nepal. She expressed that Nepal is a suitable destination for medical education.
In response, Minister Paudel expressed his commitment to complete the necessary preparations promptly and create a suitable academic environment. He also informed that Nepal is ready to provide MBBS education to the citizens of the Maldives.
Earlier, on Ashoj 7, Minister Paudel had met Maldives' Minister of Health Abdulla Khaleel in Jakarta, Indonesia. Following that meeting, a joint committee was formed to provide necessary suggestions for facilitating PG studies for Maldivian students in Nepal.
After the Maldives expressed willingness to send PG students if Nepal could create a favorable environment, Minister Paudel requested the Nepal Medical Council to provide suggestions regarding bilateral recognition and promotion of medical education.
Accordingly, the Council submitted a report stating that, based on the standards of both countries, students could be admitted for medical education after a bilateral agreement.
Based on that report, Minister Paudel formed a seven-member committee led by Nepal Medical Council Chairperson Prof. Dr. Chopalal Bhushal to prepare for the agreement. He expects suggestions from the committee to create a learning environment for students from SAARC countries.
Minister Paudel believes that creating a conducive academic environment for international students would also increase the income of Nepal’s medical colleges and contribute to improving the standard of medical education.
