Medical Vs Public Health Course in Nepal

Medical Vs Public Health Course in Nepal

Healthcare careers in Nepal are evolving, especially as people become more aware of public health challenges and the need for trained professionals across the system. Two fields that often confuse students are medicine and public health. While both contribute to improving health, they do so from different angles. One treats individuals; the other looks at populations. Choosing the right path means knowing the core difference—and understanding what kind of impact you want to make.

In Nepal, both fields are growing. The Ministry of Health and Population has identified shortages in both medical doctors and public health experts, particularly in rural and underserved areas. So, what sets them apart, and how do you know which one fits your goals?

What Is a Medical Course?

A medical course like MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) is the standard pathway to becoming a physician. It focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases in individual patients. The curriculum includes clinical sciences, anatomy, pharmacology, and surgery, with hands-on training in hospitals.

Medical graduates must pass the licensing exam conducted by the Nepal Medical Council (NMC) and complete a mandatory one-year internship. Most pursue this degree to practice as a doctor either in Nepal or abroad.

What Is a Public Health Course?

Public health programs, such as Bachelor of Public Health (BPH) and Master of Public Health (MPH), train professionals to address health challenges at the community and policy level. Rather than treating individuals, public health professionals analyze trends, design interventions, and implement policies to reduce disease and improve wellness across populations.

These programs are regulated by the Nepal Health Professional Council (NHPC) and usually involve research, fieldwork, and statistical analysis.

Educational Focus and Teaching Style

Medicine

• Individual care

• Patient-based diagnosis

• Hospital and lab environment

• Focus on biology and pathology

Public Health

• Population-based care

• Research and preventive strategies

• Community-based programs

• Emphasis on social determinants and policy

Entry Requirements and Eligibility

MBBS

• 10+2 Science (Biology major)

• Competitive entrance through the Medical Education Commission (MEC)

BPH

• 10+2 Science or Certificate in Health Sciences

• Entrance varies by institution

MBBS programs are more selective and often have higher fees, but both programs now offer scholarships based on entrance rankings and quotas.

Subjects and Course Structure

MBBS Curriculum

• Anatomy

• Physiology

• Pathology

• Pharmacology

• Surgery

• Pediatrics

• Psychiatry

• Internal Medicine

Includes compulsory internship in clinical settings under supervision.

BPH Curriculum

• Epidemiology

• Biostatistics

• Health Promotion

• Environmental Health

• Demography

• Research Methodology

Includes practical fieldwork, community diagnosis, and research projects.

Study Duration and Degree Framework

Licensing and Registration

Medical graduates must register with the NMC before practicing. They are also required to complete a year-long internship. Public health graduates, especially those working in technical or officer roles, often register with NHPC, depending on the role and employer requirements.

Skills Gained

Medicine

• Clinical diagnosis

• Patient communication

• Surgery and emergency response

• Prescription and medication management

Public Health

• Data analysis and research

• Community health assessment

• Program planning and evaluation

• Health education and advocacy

Career Opportunities in Nepal

Medical Graduates

• Doctors in hospitals or clinics

• General practitioners or specialists

• Medical officers in rural health centers

• Researchers or medical academics

Public Health Graduates

• Health program coordinators (NGOs, INGOs)

• Epidemiologists

• Policy advisors

• Health educators

• Monitoring and evaluation officers

Demand in the Job Market

Nepal’s healthcare infrastructure is still growing, and both MBBS and Public Health graduates are needed. Doctors are in demand in remote health posts, and public health professionals are vital for running immunization, sanitation, and nutrition programs.

According to the World Bank’s Human Resources for Health report (2021), Nepal needs not only more doctors but also well-trained public health experts to meet national health targets.

Salary Comparison

Salary often depends on experience, sector (private, public, NGO), and location.

Tuition Fees and Scholarship Availability

MBBS

• NPR 45–55 Lakhs in private colleges

• Government seats available at subsidized rates

BPH/MPH

• NPR 4–7 Lakhs

• Scholarship available through entrance exams or donor-funded programs

MEC and individual universities publish annual quotas for scholarships under various categories.

Institutions Offering These Courses in Nepal

MBBS

• Institute of Medicine (IOM)

• Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences

• Patan Academy of Health Sciences

• B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences

BPH/MPH

• Tribhuvan University (TU)

• Purbanchal University

• Pokhara University

• National Open College, Lalitpur (affiliated)

Global Recognition and Further Study

Medical graduates need to pass screening tests like USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or AMC (Australia) to practice abroad. Public health degrees, especially MPH, are widely recognized for work in global health, disaster relief, and international organizations.

Graduates from both paths often pursue additional specialization. MBBS graduates may go into MD/MS programs, while BPH graduates may continue to MPH or international health policy degrees.

Social and Community Impact

Doctors

• Provide individual care

• Handle critical and emergency cases

• Build patient relationships

Public Health Professionals

• Work on national disease prevention

• Conduct outreach in hard-to-reach areas

• Design public awareness campaigns

Each plays a key role in building a healthier society, though their methods differ.

Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a practical way to look at it:

• If you enjoy diagnosing, treating, and working closely with patients, MBBS might fit you.

• If you’re drawn to community engagement, research, and systemic change, BPH or MPH may be more rewarding.

Talk to professionals in both fields. Consider shadowing or volunteering. Understanding your strengths, interests, and long-term goals will help guide your choice.

Conclusion

Medicine and public health are two sides of the same coin. One is focused on the individual, the other on society. Both are valuable, demanding, and rewarding in their own way. What matters most is aligning your studies with the kind of impact you want to make—whether it’s treating one patient at a time or improving the lives of thousands through prevention, education, and policy.

Whichever you choose, your contribution to Nepal’s health system will be meaningful.

FAQs

1. Can I study MPH after completing MBBS?

Yes. Many doctors pursue MPH to shift into public health leadership, policy, or research roles.

2. Is BPH easier than MBBS?

It depends on your interests. MBBS is longer and clinically focused, while BPH emphasizes research and population health. Both have their challenges.

3. What is the scope of public health abroad?

MPH degrees are widely accepted in global organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and international NGOs. Skills in data analysis and health systems are highly valued.

4. Can BPH graduates work in hospitals?

Generally, BPH graduates work outside clinical settings—in planning, research, or education. However, some work in hospital health management or administration.

5. Do both MBBS and BPH require licensing in Nepal?

MBBS requires licensing from NMC. Public health roles may require NHPC registration depending on the position.