Karnali Academy of Health Sciences started classes for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Chaitra 1, 2077. However, there is still uncertainty as to when the classes for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) will start at the Institute.
Out of the 5 quotas for MD provided to the academy, 3 has been allotted for General Practice Emergency Medicine, one for Anesthesia Critical Care, and one for Mediatric. Three of the five students have started their studies, while two are in the process of joining.
Established in 2068 BS, the foundation has greatly contributed to the improvement of the health condition of Karnali. A well-equipped academy has been established on the foundation of Jumla District Hospital, which was established in the year 2020 BS. Karnali's health condition is expected to dramatically improve after the start of medical education in Jumla. However, with uncertainty regarding the operation of the MBBS program, the authorities express regret.
Although the preparations have been made for a long time, and the academy is all set to start MBBS classes starting the new academic session, the classes have been pushed towards uncertainty as the institute has not yet received clearance from the Medical Education Commission. As per the registrar, Vishwaraj Kafle, even after completing all the required procedures and having made all the preparations, the commission stands as the only impediment to starting MBBS classes from this academic session.
Adding further, he said that a science laboratory had been set up with an investment of Rs 20 million that caters to the need of a technologically advanced health institution that should definitely be given a green signal to start operations.
The academy has developed a community-focused curriculum and plans to start the program in Charechaur at a rented facility for lack of physical infrastructure which is estimated to cost around 6 billion. KAHS aims to facilitate the aspiring doctors from 5 districts of Karnali along with Bajura, Bajhang, Accham, and Jajarkot, which are among the most backward district of Nepal. With this aim, the Academy has reserved 45 percent of the total quota of 50 students for the MBBS program.
