Nepal's Medical Education Faces Challenges in Access, Quality, and Policy
Summary
Nepal’s medical education system is facing challenges over access, quality, fees, and policy, with calls to expand BSc Nursing and PCL Nursing programs in eligible 100-bed hospitals outside Kathmandu. The article argues that timely reforms, transparent fee structures, and stronger monitoring are needed to make nursing education more inclusive and aligned with the country’s health needs.
Key Points
- Limited seats, high fees, and complex affiliation rules are restricting access to medical education in Nepal, especially outside Kathmandu.
- The article calls for allowing eligible 100-bed hospitals to run BSc Nursing and PCL Nursing programs, with strict quality monitoring after affiliation.
- It argues that expanding nursing education provincially would reduce student costs and help meet growing demand for skilled health workers.
- Scholarships, concessional loans, and fair fee-setting are urged to make medical education more accessible and inclusive.
