Valley
Ministry in 10pc medical fee hike talks
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is holding discussions with officials from the Tribhuvan University, Institution of Medicine and Kathmandu University over a proposed 10 percent hike in the fee structure for the new session of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Dental Surgery.The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is holding discussions with officials from the Tribhuvan University, Institution of Medicine and Kathmandu University over a proposed 10 percent hike in the fee structure for the new session of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
“The existing fee structure was imposed two years ago. The 10 percent increment has been proposed to adjust inflation as prices of goods and services continue to rise,” Hari Lamsal, joint secretary at the ministry, told the Post. “The ministry is not mandated to hike the fee, but will forward its recommendations to the Cabinet.”
The current fee structure was imposed by the government following an agreement with Dr Govinda KC during his 10th hunger strike. As per the government decision on December 4, 2016, medical colleges within the Valley can charge Rs 3.85 million for MBBS course. A fee ceiling of Rs 4.24 million has been imposed for colleges outside the Valley. Fee for the BDS course has been set at Rs1.9 million. The fee ceiling imposed by the government includes admission, examination, practicals and library fees.
“The proposed increment doesn’t benefit medical institutions. We will implement what the Cabinet decides after reviewing ministry’s recommendations,” said Dr Rajendra Koju, dean of School of Medical Sciences at the Kathmandu University.