KATHMANDU: The National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) and four other institutes are making preparations to offer MBBS classes, despite provisions in the Medical Education Act 2075 BS prohibiting graduate-level medical education within the Kathmandu Valley for ten years after the Act's enforcement. These institutes, including NAMS, have collaborated to develop a separate syllabus for the MBBS course and plan to admit a total of 600 students across their institutions.

Section 12 (1) of the Act specifically prohibits the establishment and operation of educational institutions for conducting graduate programs in medical, dental, and nursing subjects within the Kathmandu Valley until 2085 BS. This clause is intended to regulate the expansion of medical education institutions and undergraduate programs within the valley. However, it does not impose similar restrictions on colleges outside the valley, allowing them to conduct MBBS programs.

Former Dean of the Institute of Medicine, Professor Dr Jagdish Agrawal, has expressed concerns that NAMS's proposed MBBS program may violate the law. He was involved in drafting the Act and asserts that NAMS's initiative seems to contradict its provisions, which were enacted to regulate medical education within the valley.

Despite the legal limitations, Dean of NAMS, Dr Ashesh Dhungana, has stated that preparations are underway to commence MBBS classes, citing the gradual addition of subjects to the curriculum each year. However, he clarified that the permission process has not yet commenced, and institutions will first collaborate on curriculum development before seeking approval from the Medical Education Commission.

A former official from NAMS has raised doubts about the institution's readiness to conduct MBBS classes, citing concerns about inadequate physical infrastructure and financial resources. Nevertheless, there appears to be an intention to proceed with the classes, possibly by mobilizing additional resources and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Vice Chairman of the Medical Education Commission, Dr Anjani Kumar Jha, emphasized that no application for permission has been received yet, and any decision would be based on legal advice. Public health expert Dr Jhalak Gautam highlighted the lack of legal grounds for granting permission to NAMS to conduct MBBS classes, given the explicit prohibition in the law until 2085 BS. She suggested that the motive behind NAMS's initiative might be to enhance its financial sustainability by expanding its educational offerings.