KATHMANDU, Oct 7: The government is preparing stricter measures to curb irregularities in medical colleges, including the use of so-called “ghost faculty” who appear only during inspections.
The Ministry of Education said it would closely monitor medical colleges accused of irregularities and take action against those found responsible, following instructions from the education minister.
Government and regulatory bodies are preparing to scrutinize faculty records at medical colleges across the country, including their appointments, regular attendance, teaching activities, hospital services and documents submitted during inspections.
Doctors could face action if they are found to have allowed medical colleges to use their names, attendance records or documents for inspection purposes without actually teaching or providing services.
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The ministry said serious violations could lead to proceedings by the Nepal Medical Council, including suspension or revocation of a doctor’s medical license.
Information, photographs, videos and other evidence submitted by students and stakeholders will also be examined as part of the monitoring process.
“Medical colleges now need real faculty members in classrooms, not just on paper,” the ministry said. “If the practice of using ghost faculty to influence the number of seats or accreditation of medical colleges is established, everyone involved will be held accountable.”
The issue was also discussed at a recent meeting of the Medical Education Commission. Commission Vice-Chair Prof Dr Devendra Khatri had called for strict action against hospitals and doctors involved in such irregularities.
The Ministry of Education has also held discussions and interactions with stakeholders regarding complaints and irregularities reported to the ministry.
The government’s move follows concerns over negligence by hospitals and doctors in the sensitive healthcare sector and aims to make medical education and services more accountable and systematic.
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