A taskforce to conduct the feasibility study of MBBS program at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) in Jumla arrived here Saturday.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology had formed the high-level taskforce under the coordination of Prof Dr Shree Krishna Giri from Bir Hospital in response to Professor Dr Govinda KC’s hunger strike at Jumla, demanding the launch of MBBS study at KAHS.
The taskforce comprises the members as Kedar Prasad Sharma from University Grant Commission, Bishnu Prasad Mishra from the Ministry and KAHS Vice Chancellor Rajendra Raj Wagle. The team is mandated to study the problems, challenges and feasibility of the MBBS program at KAHS, to prepare a report and submit to the Education Ministry.
The team began the study Sunday. Discussion would be held among all concerned stakeholders before preparing the report, said coordinator Dr Giri. As part of the study, a meeting was held with the member of the House of Representatives, Gajedra Bahadur Mahat, representatives of various political parties, civil society, local administration and associations Sunday.
Civil society coordinator in the district, Raj Bahadur Mahat, reminded that the KAHS Act has the provision that there would be an MBBS program at Jumla of Karnali province. “Jumla is the center of 10 districts in the province. It is connected to other districts with road networks, thereby making the access of the sick people easier to the hospital. So, why don’t we run the MBBS program!”
KAHS Director Dharmaraj Gosain shared the information that process to appoint lecturers had begun. “We’re now focused on building infrastructures. Preparations are underway for the curriculum development and establishment of basic science laboratory.
The government had established the KAHS in 2068 BS in order to contribute to the entire health sector in Jumla, Humla, Kalikot, Mugu, Dolpa, Achham, Jajarkot, Bajhang and Bajura districts. It has been running the programs as nursing intermediate and bachelor levels and midwifery in bachelor level. Even the study on anesthesia (assistant) is conducted here.
