Geta University to reserve 75% of approved academic program costs for scholarships
Sudurpaschim: Shaheed Dasharath Chand Health Science University in Geta, Kailali, has made public a progress report detailing its achievements during the first 100 days following the appointment of its new officials, including plans to improve access to medical education for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The report was released on Wednesday, marking 100 days since Dr. Sunil Kumar Joshi was appointed Vice-Chancellor and Dr. Bhim Bahadur Chand became the university’s Registrar. It highlights progress in institutional development, academic program approval, teaching hospital expansion, human resource management, and infrastructure development.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Joshi said the university had systematically advanced initiatives in policy, administration, academics, and medical services following the Government of Nepal’s decision, despite various challenges. He emphasized the university’s commitment to the government’s long-term vision of providing residents of Sudurpaschim Province with quality, accessible, and specialized healthcare within the province, producing skilled healthcare professionals, and establishing the institution as a hub for medical education and health research.
The university reported several achievements, including approval for 90 seats across four academic programs, arrangements for 622 hospital beds, and securing Rs 73,939,000 (Rs 7.39 crore) in scholarship funding.
According to the progress report, the Medical Education Commission has approved 90 seats: 50 for MBBS, 20 for B.Sc. Nursing, 10 for B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), and 10 for the Bachelor of Optometry program.
The university has secured Rs 73,939,000 (seven crore thirty-nine lakh thirty-nine thousand rupees) to provide scholarships covering 75 percent of the costs for the approved academic programs. The initiative aims to ensure that academically qualified students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can access medical education.
The report also outlines efforts to develop the university’s institutional structure, policy framework, academic programs, hospital services, and human resource management, with the long-term goal of establishing the institution as a national and international hub for medical education and health research.
Establishment of Institutional Structure and Policy Framework
The university said it has developed an organizational structure and reviewed various regulations to make the institution more organized, transparent, accountable, and institutionally capable.
According to the progress report, the university has reviewed procedures for conducting the University Assembly; regulations governing faculty and staff; financial procedures and financial accountability regulations; procurement regulations; rules concerning the remuneration and facilities of office-bearers; and regulations for subject committees.
The report also states that provisions concerning services, facilities, and remuneration for academics and experts have been reviewed. An Organization and Management (O&M) survey has been conducted, and an official university flag and seal have been created.
Following the government’s decision to convert the existing hospital into the university’s teaching hospital, work has begun to establish the necessary institutional structure and management systems.
Expansion of Teaching Hospital Services
According to the progress report, the university’s teaching hospital currently has 622 beds across various departments. Given the Medical Education Commission’s standard requirement of 300 beds, the university has initiated efforts to expand its service capacity.
The hospital currently provides services in General Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Neurology, and Dentistry.
The report states that the hospital also provides emergency care, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU), surgical services, and post-operative care.
Pathology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, X-ray, Ultrasound, ECG, Echocardiography, Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy services are also operational.
The university said 500 hospital beds obtained through the Ministry of Defence have been integrated into the indoor wards, ICU, and emergency department to expand the hospital’s service capacity.
Future plans include operating the teaching hospital at full capacity with the necessary human resources and equipment, establishing a Cath Lab for specialized cardiac care, and setting up a Burn Unit and a Trauma Center. The university has also prioritized expanding CT scan, MRI, dialysis, urology, and cancer care services.
Focus on Human Resources and Academic Infrastructure
According to the progress report, the university has prioritized skilled human resource management to ensure the effective operation of both the university and the teaching hospital.
Of the university’s 544 approved positions, 400 are currently filled, while the selection process for 151 additional personnel, including physicians and healthcare workers, is underway.
The university said it has initiated recruitment for essential healthcare positions, including specialist physicians, medical officers, nursing staff, laboratory technicians, and radiology technicians.
Priority has also been given to preparing the Basic Sciences department and academic laboratories to maintain the quality of medical education. This includes arranging the necessary faculty and support staff, establishing minimum laboratory standards, and procuring equipment and educational materials.
The report also states that plans are underway to procure and install additional teaching and learning equipment before student enrollment.
The budget and programs for fiscal year 2083/84 prioritize expanding services, including establishing a Cath Lab, a Burn Unit, CT scan and MRI facilities, dialysis services, and a blood bank. Plans also include developing surgical units for urology, orthopedics, and obstetrics.
Alongside the expansion of medical services, the university has launched an initiative to keep the hospital and its premises clean, green, and patient-friendly.