Nepali Army Institute of Health Sciences to Offer Doctoral Programs

Kathmandu. The Nepali Army Institute of Health Sciences Bhandarkhal will now offer doctoral level DM/MCh programs in three disciplines. These disciplines include DM Cardiology, DM Critical Care, and MCh Urology.

Executive Director of the Institute, Lieutenant General Prof. Dr. Devendra Bahadur Khatri, said, "We have received approval to conduct doctoral level DM/MCh programs in DM Cardiology, DM Critical Care, and MCh Urology. Classes will commence soon."

Currently, the institute operates five undergraduate programs (MBBS, BPH, BSc MLT, BNS, and Nursing programs) and 18 postgraduate MD/MS subjects, along with various ANM programs.

Currently, 1,215 students are studying in undergraduate programs and 265 in postgraduate programs. A total of 1,592 students have graduated from the undergraduate programs. According to Executive Director Lieutenant General Prof. Dr. Khatri, the commencement of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral academic programs at the Institute of Health Sciences has significantly improved the quality of overall healthcare services, including those provided by the Virendra Hospital, the teaching hospital operated by the institute.

100% Pass Rate in Licensing Exams

In the 'licensing' examination conducted by the Nepal Medical Council in 2082 BS, 96 percent of the institute's 'MBBS' students passed. Similarly, in the 'licensing' examination conducted by the Nepal Health Professional Council for BPH and MLT programs, and in the 'licensing' examination conducted by the Nepal Nursing Council, 100 percent of students were successful.

The institute has been recognized as the first in this regard. Dean of the Institute of Medical Sciences, Prof. Dr. Mohanraj Sharma, stated, "In a short period since its establishment, the institute has achieved historic success in the field of quality medical education. The Nepali Army Institute of Health Sciences Bhandarkhal has made remarkable progress in a short time in terms of medical education manpower, research, and healthcare delivery."

The Institute of Health Sciences was established on Bhadra 30, 2067 BS, with the aim of producing skilled, disciplined, and professional manpower in the health sciences sector, ensuring a quality educational environment, promoting research and new knowledge, and enhancing the qualitative capacity of healthcare services for the Nepali Army and the nation as a whole, through the initiative of the then Chief of Army Staff Chhatraman Singh Gurung.

Subjects to be Added in Undergraduate and Postgraduate Levels

The institute is preparing to add Bachelor in Physiotherapy and Bachelor in Pharmacy programs at the undergraduate level from the upcoming academic session. Executive Director of the Institute, Lieutenant General Prof. Dr. Khatri, said, "We have a plan to expand the institute's academic scope in line with the times. The institute is preparing to add Bachelor in Physiotherapy and Bachelor in Pharmacy programs at the undergraduate level from the upcoming academic session. We have completed the necessary groundwork and submitted it to the relevant bodies for approval. We are also making necessary efforts and coordination to conduct undergraduate programs such as Bachelor in Dental Surgery, Bachelor in Optometry, and postgraduate programs like MD Emergency Medicine, MSc MLT Biochemistry, MSc MLT Microbiology, and Fellowship in Oncoimaging. The necessary infrastructure preparation for this is progressing rapidly."

Excellent Research

Along with its academic programs, the institute has been effectively and continuously pursuing research. Last year, 215 out of 292 research proposals were approved from faculty members and undergraduate and postgraduate students, he informed. Director Lieutenant General Prof. Dr. Khatri said, "The research-oriented academic environment at the institute is gradually strengthening. To make the academic programs practical, community-oriented, and results-oriented, the institute has given high priority to academic and community-based field studies according to the curriculum."

Currently, 38 professors, 68 associate professors, and 142 assistant professors are serving at the institute. The medical journal published by the institute has received high recognition internationally. It has also been successful in being listed among the top 10 medical journals published from Nepal. Director Lieutenant General Prof. Dr. Khatri stated, "The medical journal has made a significant contribution to establishing the institute's research, educational quality, and academic contribution at the national and international levels."

Principal of the Institute of Medical Sciences, Major General Prof. Dr. Ratna Adhikari, stated that the institute is conducting its teaching, learning, and research activities within the policies of the Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine.