Evolution of the second medical school in Nepal: a case study

Abstract

Nepal is located between China and India in the Asian subcontinent, with one of the lowest doctor:population ratios in the world, 1:30,000. A systematic approach was undertaken in the development of academic programmes at B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan.This paper presents the expectations and perceptions of health care professionals, medical graduates, teachers and employers regarding criteria for student selection, entrance examination pattern, curriculum, qualification of teachers and nature of graduates. It also elaborates on perceptions of non-medical people about the types of doctors and the desired attitude of doctors to their patients. This paper also discusses briefly the curriculum implementation carried out by the Institute in the 5 years of its existence, the important feature of the curriculum being incorporation of early patient contact and exposure in the community.These are achieved with problem-based learning through the student-centred integrated curriculum.