Nepal’s Ministry of Education, Science and Sports has confirmed plans to implement agreements made with medical education reformist Prof. Dr. Govinda KC, following the establishment of Task Forces.
They are actively working on enhancing medical education through policy reforms, institutional development, and scholarship management.
This announcement coincides with Dr. KC’s 25th hunger strike (Satyagraha) in Ilam, where he is advocating for action on his long standing concerns regarding medical education.
Government Emphasizes Medical Education Reforms
The ministry highlighted its achievements, including the implementation of the National Medical Education Act 2018 and the establishment of the Medical Education Commission through agreements with Dr. KC.
The commission has introduced various improvements in medical education, such as:
- A Common Entrance Test
- Quota determination based on level and discipline
- Scholarship management
- Institutional oversight
They noted that affiliations and admissions processes have become more organized.
Expanding Medical Education Beyond Kathmandu Valley
The ministry has also made strides to expand medical education outside the Kathmandu Valley.
They established the Shaheed Dashrath Chand University of Health Sciences in Geta, Kailali, under Sudurpashchim Province, offering medical courses across various disciplines this academic year.
Infrastructure development is underway in Surkhet (Karnali Province), Butwal (Lumbini Province), and Bardibas (Madhesh Province) to enhance access to medical education in these areas.
Scholarship Management
Another significant achievement has been the effective management of scholarships.
Through the National Medical Education Act 2018, regulations have been established to define scholarship quotas, enabling students to pursue medical education at no cost.
This initiative has improved accessibility and equity in medical education.
Task Forces have been organized to implement the latest agreement with Dr. KC, confirmed on July 27, 2026.
The ministry remains committed to enacting policy and program reforms in medical education to enhance services and ensure good governance within the sector.
They acknowledged Dr. KC’s role in highlighting medical education reform issues, holding institutions accountable, and promoting efficient services.
Dr. Govinda KC’s 25th Satyagraha in Ilam
Despite the ministry’s assurances, Dr. Govinda KC commenced his 25th Satyagraha on Thursday at Narayan Temple in Ilam, expressing disappointment over the government’s slow progress on his demands.
One of his key concerns is the Medical Education Commission’s decision to permit MBBS and nursing courses at Shaheed Dasharath Chand University of Health Sciences in Geta starting this academic session.
Dr. KC argues that the university lacks the necessary infrastructure and qualified staff to effectively deliver these courses.
He demands the revocation of course approvals at the university and an increase in student quotas at various institutions.
The protest has reignited discussions on medical education standards, capacity, and the implementation of agreements.
While the ministry claims to be working on these changes, Dr. KC’s latest hunger strike indicates ongoing disagreements about the government’s actions and their commitment to fulfilling promises.