JUMLA, June 22: Nepal Medical Council (NMC) has granted Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) the permission to start courses for Doctor of Medicine in General Practices and Emergency Medicine (MDGP). This has opened an avenue for KAHS to produce specialist doctors. The permission to conduct MDGP courses also opens doors to begin the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) course.
The government in 2068 BS had established KAHS to improve health services in the then Jumla, Humla, Kalikot, Mugu, Dolpa, Achham, Jajarkot, Bajhang, and Bajura districts of Karnali. It was operated by a specialist and five doctors in the first year since establishment. In 2070 BS, the zonal hospital was upgraded to an academy which is now fully furnished with 300 beds. In recent times, KAHS has brought into operation its own pharmacy, oxygen plant, and blood donation services.
Some 200 patients come to the hospital everyday. The hospital also has its own Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Computed Topography (CT) Scan service, and the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department. KAHS registrar Bishwa Raj Kaphle said, “We don't refer our patients to other hospitals unless they are in an extreme condition.”
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The hospital has already begun expanding and improving its physical infrastructure and manpower, besides installing equipment so as to begin MDGP and MBBS courses. A team from NMC sent to study the condition of the hospital has stated that the academy has all necessary equipment and has been providing good services.
On October 12, 2017, under the chairmanship of the then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, the fifth senate meeting of KAHS formulated a master plan about its education programs and physical infrastructures. Other senate meetings also decided to carry forward this plan.
In recent times, the academy has sent four of its specialist doctors to work in Surkhet Hospital so as to provide specialist services. Since the hospital was deprived of many medical services, KAHS also sent doctors from different departments to the hospital including Mangal Rawal, Harihar Devkota, Ramesh Bhattarai, and Rajiv Shah.
There are 45 doctors working at KAHS who visit the remote areas of Karnali to treat patients. The admission process for MDGP is now being carried forward. Course books, teachers and all other requirements have been met, according to registrar Kaphle.
Last year, the hospital provided services to 39,942 patients. Of these patients, 4,347 received emergency treatment, 2,591 were admitted, 469 were given major services, and 572 pregnant women conceived.
