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 Kathmandu, Aug 2: Nepal’s four major medical science academies have remained without vice-chancellors for the past three months due to a political deadlock between the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-UML over the division of posts. The affected institutions include BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (Dharan), Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences, and Patan Academy of Health Sciences.

Although the Ministry of Health initiated the selection process in mid-June, the failure of the two major parties to agree on how to share these key leadership positions has left the appointments in limbo. In the meantime, the institutions are being run by acting vice-chancellors.

The ministry had called for applications on June 18 (Asar 4) and formed a search committee headed by Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel. The other two members are Health Secretary Dr. Vikas Devkota and National Planning Commission member Dr. RP Bichha.

However, even after six weeks, the committee has failed to finalize and recommend names. According to ministry sources, the lack of political consensus on power-sharing has stalled progress. While there is a broad agreement that Congress and UML would each get two academies, they have yet to agree on who gets which institution.

Initially, Congress was set to take charge of BP Koirala (Dharan) and Karnali, while UML would lead Pokhara and Patan. But Minister Paudel has insisted on retaining control over Pokhara Academy, which has upended the original agreement. Sources say he is willing to give up BP Koirala in exchange for Pokhara.

This political tussle has paralyzed the recommendation committee, which has not been able to carry out its mandated work despite being in place for over six weeks. As per the Health Science Academies Act, the committee is required to select qualified candidates and recommend a shortlist of three names for each vacant vice-chancellor post.

“It’s embarrassing that we haven’t been able to appoint leadership even four months after the posts became vacant,” a senior ministry official commented. “The committee can’t simply hide behind the excuse that meetings haven’t taken place.”

Despite the delay, Health Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki claimed that the initial process is nearly complete. According to him, repeated foreign trips by key political leaders have delayed the final decision. The academic certificates submitted by candidates have been verified, and the next step is to call shortlisted candidates to present their plans.

“All CVs and certificates have been authenticated,” said Dr. Budhathoki. “Now we’re moving toward the presentation of work plans. The date for that will soon be set by the committee.”

However, that date has not been fixed yet, and the committee has not convened recently. Secretary Devkota is currently on an official visit to Brazil. “Sometimes the Planning Commission member is unavailable, other times the minister is busy,” Budhathoki explained. “The Secretary is due back on Monday. After that, the presentation dates will be finalized.”

People’s News Monitoring Service

The vice-chancellor positions at Pokhara and Kanali Academies became vacant in mid-March, while those at BP Koirala and Patan became vacant at the end of March.

Currently, the academies are being managed by their respective rectors as acting vice-chancellors. Prof. Dr. Shreekrishna Shrestha, Dean of Pokhara Academy, is serving as acting VC, while Rector Dr. Dabal Bahadur Dhami is doing the same at Karnali. Similarly, Rector Prof. Dr. Pawan Sharma is acting VC at Patan, and Rector Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma holds the position at BP Koirala.

Who’s in the Running?

A total of 55 candidates have applied for the four vacant vice-chancellor positions. The breakdown is as follows: Pokhara Academy: 17 applicants (the highest number), Karnali Academy: 15 applicants,BP Koirala Institute (Dharan): 13 applicants, and Patan Academy: 10 applicants

Many of the applicants are well-known figures in the medical field, some with controversial backgrounds. Some were previously involved in disputes or faced protests during their tenures.

At BP Koirala, the key contenders from the Nepali Congress include Dr. Sangita Singh Bhandari, Dr. Roshan Pokharel, Dr. Ramesh Koirala, and Dr. Prahlad Karki.

For Pokhara, major candidates include Dr. Ramesh Koirala, Dr. Bidhanidhi Paudel, Dr. Rajesh Adhikari, Dr. Premraj Gyawali, Additional Health Secretary Dr. Shreekrishna Shrestha, and current acting VC Dr. Bharat Bahadur Khatri.

In Karnali, since the post is expected to go to Congress, there’s been less political friction. Strong contenders include Dr. Pujan Kumar Rokaya, Dr. Shreekrishna Giri, Dr. Pawan Jung Rayamajhi, and Dr. Dabal Bahadur Dhami.

At Patan Academy, the leading applicants are Dr. Gehanath Baral, Dr. Sangita Singh Bhandari, Dr. Buddhi Prasad Paudel, Dr. Pawan Kumar Sharma, and former Additional Health Secretary Dr. Dipendra Raman Singh.

Despite the high stakes and the pressing need for academic leadership, the appointments remain stalled—yet another reminder of how political infighting can paralyze crucial sectors, even in health and education.