Formal MBBS classes have commenced at Purbanchal University, located in Gothgaun, Morang. After nearly two decades of effort, MBBS teaching and learning have finally begun. The university stated that this marks a new chapter in the expansion of medical education within the eastern region.
With the Nepal Government's approval to enroll 50 students in the MBBS program, the university has launched undergraduate medical education through its Faculty of Medical Sciences for the first time. The University's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Biju Kumar Thapaliya, stated, "Starting medical education nearly three decades after the university's establishment is a significant achievement in itself."
He added that the program's operation became possible only after long-term preparations, infrastructure construction, and the completion of various government processes.
Purbanchal University had initiated the process to run medical education as early as 2062 BS. At that time, the university had even conducted entrance exams and selected 520 students for MBBS studies. However, the program could not proceed immediately due to a government regulation requiring a medical college to have its own teaching hospital with at least 300 beds. The university's plans were postponed for some time due to the lack of necessary infrastructure.
According to Assistant Professor Dr. Shashi Sharma Rijal, the university then moved forward by exploring various options for operating a teaching hospital and building the required infrastructure.
After years of effort, the university signed an agreement three years ago to collaborate with the 330-bed Koshi Hospital to serve as its teaching hospital. The university stated that this collaboration laid the primary foundation for operating medical education. Additionally, the university has brought its own 100-bed hospital into operation, which is expected to support both medical education and healthcare services.
Meanwhile, the Medical Education Commission had submitted a report to the Ministry of Education after a detailed inspection of the university's physical infrastructure, hospital, laboratory, manpower, and academic readiness. However, classes could not start immediately due to delays in receiving the final government approval required to operate the medical college.
Last Shrawan, during the second week, a team from the Commission conducted a final monitoring visit. Following this, the government granted permission to enroll 50 students in the MBBS program. Vice-Chancellor Thapaliya informed that with this move, the long-stalled process has moved forward, and the university has formally begun conducting MBBS classes.
Dr. Shailesh Mani Pokharel, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, also noted that the commencement of MBBS classes after more than two decades of effort will add a new dimension to medical education. According to him, the program is being operated to expand quality medical education in the eastern region and produce skilled doctors.
Since MBBS studies began on Tuesday following the government's decision, there has been great enthusiasm among students. Students from various districts expressed their happiness at the opportunity to study at the university.
Sapana Oli, a student from the first batch coming from West Rukum, shared her excitement about getting the chance to study MBBS at Purbanchal University. She mentioned that she had dreamed of becoming a doctor for a long time, and expressed joy at receiving quality education within her own country.
With the medical college becoming operational, it is expected that access to medical education in the eastern region will expand. Until now, most students had to go to Kathmandu or private medical colleges for MBBS studies. It is believed that with the launch of this new program, students will have the opportunity to study at a relatively lower cost.
Local representatives have also expressed hope that this program will make a long-term contribution to improving the quality of health services in Koshi Province. Kedar Prasad Guragain, Mayor of Sundar Haraicha Municipality, expressed confidence that residents will also be able to easily access specialist health services as the university expands its facilities.
Prof. Dr. Bikram Prasad Shrestha, Vice-Chancellor of the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), stated that the MBBS program, which has started after nearly two decades of effort, should be viewed as a major achievement not just for Purbanchal University, but for the development of medical education across the entire eastern region.
The university administration further revealed plans to launch higher-level medical programs, including MD and MS, in the coming years. Moreover, the preparations are also underway to expand the teaching hospital's capacity, increase research activities, and further strengthen international collaborations.
