The Government of Nepal has established a search committee to recommend candidates for the vacant Vice-Chancellor positions at four key health science academies. The committee is led by Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel.
The affected institutions are the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences (PoAHS), Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS), and Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS). These positions have been vacant for nearly two months, with daily financial and administrative tasks currently managed by acting officials.
The Vice-Chancellor posts at BPKIHS and Patan Academy (PAHS) became vacant on March 27.
The positions at Pokhara Academy (PoAHS) and Karnali Academy (KAHS) became vacant on March 22.
Committee Composition:
- Convener: Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel
- Member: Prof. Dr. R.P Bichha, National Planning Commission Member (Health)
- Member: Dr. Bikash Devkota, Health Secretary
Current Acting Arrangements:
- BPKIHS: Prof. Dr. Sanjib Kumar Sharma
- PAHS: Prof. Dr. Paban Kumar Sharma
- KAHS: Dr. Dabal Bahadur Dhami
- PAHS (Pokhara): Prof. Dr. Shree Krishna Shrestha (serving as Acting VC due to absence of Rector)
Process and Next Steps:
Health Secretary Dr. Bikash Devkota stated, "Currently, the search committee is formulating a working procedure for recommending Vice-Chancellors. The committee is continuing its work. We will issue a public notice soon."
The committee will recommend three potential candidates for each vacant Vice-Chancellor position. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will make the final appointment from these shortlisted names.
