In a recent address, Gagan Thapa, the General Secretary of the Nepali Congress and a Member of Parliament, underscored the critical need for reform in medical education within Nepal. Speaking at the inaugural session of the representative assembly, Thapa highlighted the imperative to dispel misconceptions surrounding medical education and emphasized the urgency of university reforms.
Thapa addressed the assembly, pointing out the prevalent misconception that a significant number of students opt for nursing studies due to the state of medical education. He stressed the necessity for university reforms to address this issue effectively. Thapa also acknowledged that some students choose to pursue their studies abroad due to the shortcomings within Nepali universities.
The issue of vacant positions in various universities, including Tribhuvan University, was also raised by Thapa. He emphasized the need to initiate reforms without delay, urging for leadership selections across universities to be impartial and free from favoritism.
Thapa drew attention to the ongoing discussions in the Parliament regarding the Education Act and the proposals put forward by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. He highlighted the current opportunity for policy changes that could significantly improve the quality of education through legislative measures.
The capacity constraints within university infrastructure were also brought to light by Thapa. He expressed concerns over the inability of educational institutions to accommodate enrolled students effectively, especially in critical subjects like Science, English and Math.
Padam Giri, the Chief Secretary of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), echoed Thapa's sentiments, attributing the closure of medical education providers to the exodus of students abroad. Giri criticized the government's failure to address the issues within the education sector, leading to disillusionment among Nepali youth and driving them to seek educational opportunities abroad.
The calls for urgent reforms in medical education underscore the pressing need for comprehensive changes within the Nepali education system. As discussions continue both within the Parliament and among educational stakeholders, the focus remains on addressing the systemic challenges and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all Nepali students.
