Efforts to gain int’l recognition for Nepal’s medical postgraduate degrees

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has begun efforts to secure mutual recognition of Nepal’s medical education qualifications abroad.

This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by Nepali medical graduates, whose postgraduate degrees are not recognized in countries like India and other nations.

The ministry’s move is also intended to create an environment conducive to attracting foreign students to study in Nepal under full-fee programs.

Last month, during a conference in Indonesia, Nepal’s Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, was urged by the Indonesian Health Minister to facilitate the provision of postgraduate medical education. Following this, the ministry initiated steps to address the issue.

To ease the process of mutual recognition of medical degrees for students from Maldives and other SAARC countries, the ministry has instructed the Nepal Medical Council to submit a preliminary report within 30 days. The report is expected to propose measures for facilitation and quota management.

Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the Policy, Planning, and Monitoring Division has officially communicated with the council to provide recommendations.

Currently, those who pursue postgraduate medical studies in countries like India can easily practice in Nepal.

However, Nepali medical graduates face challenges due to the lack of mutual recognition.

The ministry believes that obtaining mutual recognition agreements at the SAARC level could significantly boost Nepal’s appeal as a destination for foreign medical students.