Kathmandu: Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, has highlighted the challenge of retaining health-related human resources in the country. Speaking at a programme organized on the occasion of the 23rd Establishment Day of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, Minister Paudel emphasized that while there is no crisis of health-related human resources in the Kathmandu Valley, there is a significant challenge in retaining them, particularly in health institutions outside the Valley.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Paudel stressed the necessity of providing incentives and discounts to encourage health-related human resources to remain in the country. He underscored the need for state investment to increase the number of health-related human resources, which is crucial for the country’s development. The Minister noted that the Academy has been instrumental in producing a substantial number of health professionals and is on track to become the leading institution in generating health sector human resources within a few years.
Prof Dr RP Bichha, a member of the National Planning Commission, stated that the government’s policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year include restructuring health insurance and ensuring health treatment for children and senior citizens. He acknowledged the Academy’s contribution, highlighting that it runs over 100 programs in various health-related fields and that its graduates are serving across the country.
Vice-Chancellor of the Academy, Prof Dr Bhupendra Basnet, remarked on the Academy’s significant role in medical education research and enhancing health sector quality. He revealed that the Academy has increased MD, BDS, and MSC seats from 128 to 250 this year and is actively pursuing research and collaboration with specialized health institutions worldwide.
The National Academy of Medical Sciences, established in 2059 BS and built on the foundation of the 135-year-old Bir Hospital, currently associates with 24 hospitals and conducts fellowship programs in 12 different hospitals, as shared by Rector Prof Dr Lochan Karki.
Additionally, Bir Hospital Director Prof Dr Dillip Sharma noted that the hospital provides services through 966 beds, including a 72-bed ICU. The event also saw the honoring of senior specialist doctor Prof Dr Sudeep Kumar Bhattacharya, along with Dr Nisha Khanal, Dr Mandesh Shrestha, and Dr Shiva Bhandari for their academic achievements. Prof Dr Ram Hari Chapagain and Dr Binita Adhikari were recognized with cash and certificates for excellence in research.