Kathmandu, 30th Shrawan: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed that the collaboration between Kathmandu University and Dhulikhel Hospital be maintained for the next five years. Speaking as the Chancellor at the 97th Senate meeting of Kathmandu University held today at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar, PM Oli instructed that the misunderstandings and issues between the university and the hospital be resolved through discussion.
Tensions and uncertainty had arisen between the two institutions as Dhulikhel Hospital sought approval from the provincial government to become an institution while the university was preparing to establish its hospital.
"The university cannot immediately establish a new hospital, and the government cannot invest in such a venture now. Therefore, the relationship and collaboration with Dhulikhel Hospital should be maintained for at least five years," said PM Oli. "During this period, the university will prepare to establish its hospital. Additionally, we will hold another meeting in Bhadra to make decisions on policy matters. We will also discuss other challenges and difficulties at that meeting."
During the meeting, after Ashok Byanju, the Mayor of Dhulikhel Municipality, expressed that the university should not abruptly sever its relationship with the hospital, PM Oli allowed Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bhola Thapa time to clarify the issue. With input from former Vice-Chancellor Dr. Suresh Raj Sharma, PM Oli, as Chancellor, deemed it necessary to maintain the current relationship between the two institutions and directed that the collaboration continue.
PM Oli also suggested that the university should admit students according to the available seat capacity. He clarified that the government could not provide additional grants to the university due to a 24% shortfall in revenue collection and increased expenditure in the last fiscal year.
In the meeting, which was attended by Minister of Education, Science, and Technology and Pro-Chancellor Bidhya Bhattarai, the budget of NPR 4.309 billion, presented by the university's Registrar, Dr. Achyut Prasad Wagle, was approved. The meeting also approved the 'Grace List' of 2,314 students who will graduate from various faculties in the upcoming 29th convocation ceremony.
