Opening the door to one more state-funded autonomous health academy in the country, the Legislature-Parliament on Tuesday endorsed the bill on establishing Rapti Academy of Health Sciences in Ghorahi of Dang district. The move comes  in line with the government’s decision to set-up one medical college in each province. 

The House unanimously endorsed the bill which envisions converting the Rapti Sub-Zonal Hospital into the academy in Province 5. The remaining facilities will be constructed at Nawalpur located just a few kilometres from the hospital. 

Establishing a state-owned medical college in Dang is one of the demands of Dr Govinda KC, who is on a hunger strike for the 13th time, seeking reforms in the medical sector.

The government is preparing to announce Dang as a temporary headquarters of the province as well. 

Introduced at Parliament by Minister for Health Giriraj Mani Pokharel on Friday, the bill was tabled for endorsement four days later after deliberations. 

The health academy in Dang will be the fifth state-owned facility in the country after Institute of Medicine, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Karnali Academy and BP Koirala Academy. 

The Act will come into effect once President Bidya Devi Bhandari authenticates—in time for the institute to open admissions for the next academic session.

“The government as per its commitment came up with a bill to set up a health academy in Province 5. This will be a landmark step towards expanding medical access to the public in the region,” said Minister Pokharel in the House. Besides, the health academy will also offer aspiring medical students in the region the opportunity to study and practice medicine close to their home.

Like in four other medical academies, the prime minister will hold the post of chancellor, while the education minister will be the pro-chancellor. Vice-chancellor will be appointed by the government.