B. Pharma Programs and Colleges in Nepal
Until the late 1990s, most graduate pharmacists in Nepal received their education abroad. This began to change in 1972 when the Institute of Medicine (IOM) at Tribhuvan University started a proficiency certificate-level pharmacy program. IOM launched Bachelor of Pharmacy program in 2000.
Kathmandu University was the first to offer a Bachelor of Pharmacy program in Nepal, starting in 1994. This institution also introduced Master of Pharmacy and Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmaceutical Sciences) programs in 2000 and 2004, respectively, and offers a Post-Baccalaureate PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) program.
To provide a solid educational foundation for successful pharmacy careers, various universities and health science academics in Nepal are running Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) programs. In addition to Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University, other pharmacy colleges are affiliated with Pokhara University and Purbanchal University.
As of 2024, Nepal offers eight different B.Pharm programs through two health science academies (Madan Bhandari Academy of Health Sciences and Karnali Academy of Health Sciences) and six universities.
Tribhuvan University has the highest enrollment capacity, running its B.Pharm program through 10 affiliated colleges, while Gandaki University and Manmohan Technical University offer the program exclusively through their university campuses.
B.Pharma Colleges in Nepal
| Universities | Number of Colleges |
| Colleges offering Bachelor of Pharmacy in Nepal | 29 |
| TU Affiliated B.Pharm Colleges | 10 |
| Purbanchal University affiliated B.Pharm Colleges | 9 |
| Pokhara University affiliated B.Pharm Colleges | 5 |
| Others | 5 |
Top B Pharm Colleges in Nepal
Scholarship
Sub-Sections (4), (6), and (7) of Section 17 of the National Medical Education Act, 2018 and Section 20 of the National Medical Education Regulations 2020 has outlined this process for B. Pharma Scholarships in Nepal. For details visit: Medical Education Scholarships Provision of the Government of Nepal
In 2024, the Government of Nepal allocated 179 Bachelor in Pharmacy scholarship seats, with 99 (55%) designated for general scholarships and 80 (45%) reserved for various categories. Read more: Bachelor in Pharmacy (B.Pharma) Scholarships Seats in Nepal
Eligibility
Must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects from a recognized educational institution and passed with a minimum of 50% or 2.4 CGPA/GPA in the Proficiency Certificate Level or Grade 12 Science Group.
or
Students from A-level or other similar programs with different grading systems should have studied Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects and passed with a minimum of 50 percent or 2.4 CGPA/GPA. Must have obtained equivalence letter.
or
Proficiency Certificate Level / Diploma in Pharmacy and registered in Nepal Pharmacy Council.
or
Proficiency Certificate/Diploma in Health Science (Medical Lab Technology or Ophthalmic Science or Dental Science or Pharmacy or Radiography or Ayurveda or Physiotherapy) with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and having studied Physics, Chemistry and Biology subject with minimum 50% in aggregate from National Examination Board Percent or 2.4 CGPA/GPA marks and obtained the equivalence of class 12th science group and registered in the concerned council.
Job Prospects
Upon successful completion of the B.Pharm program, students are required to pass the Pharmacist license exam administered by the Nepal Pharmacy Council before beginning their careers as pharmacists.
Career Prospects for Pharmacy Graduates in Nepal
Pharmacy practice in Nepal is still in the early stages of development. Over the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in pharmacy colleges and graduates, but a clear career path for pharmacists still needs to be improved.
This ambiguity often leads pharmacists to seek opportunities in more developed countries. To counteract this, policymakers, stakeholders, and pharmacists must collaborate to establish the pharmacist as an integral member of the healthcare team in Nepal.
Community pharmacy remains relatively underexplored, presenting a potential field for practice. Hospital pharmacies are showing positive signs of development, with directives from the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, mandating government hospitals to operate their pharmacies.
The future enhancement of the pharmacy profession, particularly in hospital and clinical settings, will require a multifaceted approach:
- Value-Added Services: Pharmacists must provide value-added services to patients and healthcare institutions, such as patient counseling, drug information, participation in ward rounds, and education of patients and healthcare professionals.
- Training and Institutional Activities: Pharmacists should be trained in institutional and clinical activities, including establishing drugs and therapeutics committees, providing drug information, promoting rational prescribing, and teaching healthcare professionals.
- Research and Development: The pharmaceutical industry, academic institutions, and pharmacists should engage in research to develop innovative products and concepts. Adopting WHO’s Good Manufacturing Practices is commendable, but demonstrating the bioequivalence of Nepalese pharmaceutical products to prototype manufacturers’ medicines through research is crucial. Such efforts would also create adequate employment opportunities in various sectors.
- Clear Career Paths: Establishing clear career paths for pharmacists in all sectors is essential. In hospital pharmacies, this could be achieved by introducing specific residency programs.
- Advocacy and Collaboration: A strong lobby group should work to establish the pharmacist as a key healthcare team member. Pharmacists and related associations should collaborate to plan for the future strategically.
In summary, while the current landscape of pharmacy practice in Nepal presents challenges, there are also significant opportunities for growth and development in community, hospital, and clinical pharmacy, supported by research, clear career pathways, and stronger advocacy.
