Education minister visits BPKIHS, pledges action on academic, financial challenges

DHARAN: Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel paid an informal visit to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) in Dharan, on April 21. During his visit, he discussed the institute’s academic and financial challenges, officials said.

The minister was accompanied by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Srijana Shrestha, Education Secretary Choodamani Paudel and local RSP representatives. They were received at BPKIHS by Vice‑Chancellor Prof Dr Bikram Prasad Shrestha, Rector Prof Dr Sanjib Kumar Sharma, Registrar Dr Surya Prasad Sangroula and Hospital Director Dr Jagat Narayan Prasad.

A brief discussion in the Vice‑Chancellor’s meeting room focused on the institute’s academic policies and the scope of its educational and research activities. BPKIHS officials outlined several challenges facing the institution, including a reduction in student seats following changes under the Medical Education Commission Act and mounting financial pressures.

Officials also warned of a severe financial crisis linked to insurance payments that the government is yet to reimburse, and they urged the Education Minister to take initiatives to address both policy and fiscal issues. Present at the discussion on behalf of BPKIHS were Academic Dean Prof Dr Anup Ghimre, Assistant Examination Dean Dr Dhan Keshar Khadka, Matron Kala Thapa and Deputy Matron Bishnu Maya Tamang.

Minister Pokharel attended the presentations and raised questions, which the institute’s leadership answered according to their respective jurisdictions. According to the BPKIHS, the minister acknowledged the problems and said the government is monitoring the situation closely.

The minister expressed a positive stance towards resolving the institute’s difficulties and committed to taking special initiatives to untangle the policy‑related and financial complexities affecting BPKIHS.

On the occasion, Vice‑Chancellor Shrestha handed over BPKIHS’s annual report for fiscal year 2024/25 to Minister Pokharel.