PM Dahal Announces Comprehensive Package for Medical and Nursing Education Reform

In a decisive move to address the longstanding challenges facing the medical and nursing education sectors Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda announced on January 22, 2024, plans to introduce a comprehensive reform package. The announcement came during a high-level discussion held at the Prime Minister's Office in Singha Durbar, which focused on tackling the issues plaguing the nursing sector in particular.

Addressing Jurisdictional Conflicts and Systematic Challenges

A key point of discussion was the jurisdictional conflict between nursing education and the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), which the Prime Minister acknowledged needs clarification. He emphasized the importance of resolving these disputes to streamline the educational pathways for nursing professionals.

To facilitate a thorough examination and resolution of these issues, Prime Minister Dahal has called for an imminent meeting of the Medical Education Commission. "Let's hold a meeting of the commission, form a study committee, and approach this systematically, including the involvement of the National Planning Commission," he proposed, highlighting a structured approach to reform.

Legislative Amendments and Resource Allocation

The Prime Minister also touched upon the necessity of amending existing acts to address the legal hurdles impeding the implementation of reforms within the medical and nursing education sectors. "We must not fail to implement the provisions in the law due to legislative obstacles. Let's create a work schedule based on the resources we have," he stated, signaling a commitment to practical and effective solutions.

A Collaborative Effort for Sector-Wide Improvement

The meeting saw the participation of key figures from various sectors, including Deputy Prime Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Minister of Education, Science and Technology Ashok Kumar Rai, and Chief Secretary to the Government of Nepal Dr. Baikunth Aryal. Additionally, the Secretaries of the Prime Minister's Office, Secretary of the Ministry of Education Suresh Adhikari, and Registrar of Nursing Council Shukla Khanal were present, underscoring the collaborative effort toward reforming the healthcare education sector.

Overall, this initiative by the Prime Minister of Nepal marks a significant step toward resolving the systemic challenges within the medical and nursing education sectors. By advocating for legislative amendments, addressing jurisdictional conflicts, and proposing a structured approach to reform, the government demonstrates its commitment to enhancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare education. This comprehensive package is anticipated to pave the way for significant improvements in the sector, benefiting aspiring medical and nursing professionals across the country.