Four key health science istitutions in Nepal get new leadership

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister and Chancellor KP Sharma Oli has appointed new Vice Chancellors for four of the country’s leading health science institutions, with most appointees being senior orthopedic and neurology specialists.

The new appointees are:

• Prof. Dr. Bikram Prasad Shrestha – Vice Chancellor, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan

• Prof. Dr. Buddhi Prasad Poudel – Vice Chancellor, Patan Academy of Health Sciences

• Prof. Dr. Bharat Bahadur Khatri – Vice Chancellor, Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences

• Dr. Pujan Kumar Rokaya – Vice Chancellor, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences

Prof. Dr. Bikram Prasad Shrestha is an experienced orthopedic and neurology specialist with a distinguished career at BP Koirala Institute, where he has served as Head of Orthopedics and Rector. He is widely recognized for his expertise in musculoskeletal disorders.

Prof. Dr. Bharat Bahadur Khatri also specializes in orthopedics and previously served as Hospital Director at the Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences for four years, during which he expanded hospital services and improved overall management.

Dr. Pujan Kumar Rokaya is known for his dedication to serving remote areas. Based in Jumla for the past 12 years, he has provided orthopedic and neurology services not only in Karnali but also in Humla, Mugu, Kalikot, and Dolpa. He chose to return to his hometown after advanced training, including specialized courses in Germany, and has also served as Hospital Director of the Karnali Academy.

Prof. Dr. Buddhi Prasad Poudel is a senior internal medicine and rheumatology specialist, holding gold medals in both MBBS and MD from Tribhuvan University, along with fellowships from prestigious institutions in Canada and Italy. He pioneered Nepal’s first two-year rheumatology fellowship program and has significantly contributed to training specialists in the field. Through his efforts, hundreds of children with Type 1 diabetes receive free treatment under the Life for a Child program. Starting as a medical officer at Patan Hospital, he has now risen to the institution’s highest position.