Demand for the repeal of the Integrated Health Science Bill

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – The Faculty Association of the Patan Academy of Health Sciences has expressed strong objection to the Integrated Health Science Institutions Bill proposed by the government and has demanded that the bill be repealed. On Sunday, the association conveyed its serious concerns through an official letter addressed to Minister of Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel.

The letter states:
"The Ministry of Health and Population has drafted the framework of the bill to establish the Integrated Health Science Institutions without any consultation with the concerned stakeholders and has sought public suggestions. The Academy expresses dissatisfaction over this process. We strongly demand the repeal of this bill."

The bill proposes to restructure existing health science institutions such as Patan, NAMS, BP Koirala, Karnali, Pokhara, and Rapti into a single uniform model of academic institutions. However, the association argues that these institutions have evolved independently with distinct historical backgrounds, legal structures, geographical contexts, resources, and founding objectives. Therefore, attempting to bring them all under a single structure contradicts the spirit of federalism.

The association has also warned of launching strong protests if the bill is not withdrawn. They have further called for the development of a culture where the government ensures adequate dialogue with stakeholders during the policy-making process.

Previously, the Ministry had made the draft of the bill public and initiated the process of collecting suggestions.