Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS)

Jumla, Jumla

Estd. 2011

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+977-87-520611

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Overview

Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) is an autonomous health sciences university established on October 20, 2011 (2068/07/03) through an Act of the Parliament of Nepal. KAHS Offers MBBS, MD/MS, Bachelor in Midwifery, BNS, BSc Nursing, MN, BPH, MPH, BPharm, and MPharm Programs.

The institution was created by upgrading the former Karnali Zonal Hospital in Jumla to address the significant gap in access to quality healthcare and health sciences education in the country’s most remote and socioeconomically marginalized regions.

Located in Karnali Province, KAHS operates with a dual mission — delivering affordable, evidence-based healthcare services and producing skilled health professionals who are prepared to work in underserved communities.

The academy also plays a key role in health research, contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge relevant to Nepal’s unique geographical and social context.

The legal framework establishing KAHS specifies its focus on the backward districts of the former Karnali, Bheri, and Seti Zones — now reorganized under the federal system into Humla, Jumla, Kalikot, Dolpa, Mugu, Jajarkot, Bajura, Bajhang, Achham, Surkhet, Dailekh, Rukum, and Salyan.

Quick Highlights

Established: 2011 (2068 BS) by Act of Parliament
Type: Autonomous, government-funded health sciences university
Location: Jumla, Karnali Province, Nepal
Core Mandate: Education, healthcare service delivery, research
Primary Service Area: Remote and marginalized districts of Nepal
Teaching Hospital Start Date: 17 Kartik, 2069 BS
Major Academic Schools: Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Pharmacy
Core Services: Emergency, inpatient, outpatient, surgery, maternal care, diagnostics, telemedicine, and community health outreach

Karnali Academy of Health Sciences KAHS Jumla Building

Academic Programs Offered

KAHS delivers education through its four academic schools. All programs are designed in accordance with national standards and are recognized by relevant professional councils in Nepal.

School of Medicine

MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
MD/MS – Postgraduate degrees in medical specializations

School of Nursing

Bachelor in Midwifery
Bachelor in Nursing Science (BNS)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc. Nursing)
Master in Nursing (MN)

School of Public Health

Bachelor of Public Health (BPH)
Master of Public Health (MPH)

School of Pharmacy

Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)

Each academic program combines theoretical learning with practical, community-based clinical exposure. This ensures graduates are prepared for both hospital-based care and primary health service delivery in rural and resource-limited settings.

Admission Process

Admission to KAHS academic programs follows transparent, merit-based criteria in line with Nepal’s national entrance examination systems. For undergraduate medical and health sciences programs, candidates must:

Meet the minimum academic eligibility set by the Nepal Medical Council, Nursing Council, or Pharmacy Council
Pass the national entrance examination conducted by the Medical Education Commission (MEC) of Nepal
Fulfill any additional requirements specific to the program

For postgraduate studies, candidates must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree, complete mandatory service obligations where applicable, and succeed in the competitive entrance examinations.

KAHS maintains a special commitment to students from backward and remote districts, with reserved seats and scholarship provisions to ensure inclusivity and representation.

Teaching Faculty and Learning Methodology

KAHS faculty members include experienced academicians, specialist doctors, senior nurses, pharmacists, and public health experts. The teaching approach integrates:

Lectures and seminars for foundational knowledge
Laboratory and clinical skills training within the teaching hospital
Community field placements in rural and underserved areas
Problem-based learning (PBL) to strengthen analytical skills
Research projects supervised by experienced mentors

The curriculum emphasizes socially accountable medical education, preparing graduates to address real-world health challenges in Nepal.

Infrastructure and Learning Facilities

KAHS has progressively expanded its infrastructure to support both academic and clinical functions.

Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS)

Teaching Hospital Facilities

Emergency care with triage and resuscitation areas
Inpatient wards for medical, surgical, pediatric, and maternity cases
Fully equipped operating theatres
Intensive Care Units (ICU, NICU, MICU, HDU)
Diagnostic services: laboratory, radiology (X-ray, ultrasound, ECG), and pathology
Blood bank and transfusion services
Telemedicine facilities for remote consultation

Academic and Support Infrastructure

Lecture halls with multimedia support
Skills and simulation laboratories
Library with print and digital resources
Student hostels and faculty quarters
Internet-enabled study areas
Research and ethics review facilities

Student Life and Campus Experience

Studying at KAHS offers a distinctive experience shaped by the remote mountain setting of Jumla and the academy’s strong community orientation. Students often participate in:

Rural health camps
Community-based research projects
Interdisciplinary teamwork in clinical settings

The environment encourages peer learning, cultural exchange among students from various provinces, and an appreciation of the health needs of diverse communities.

Extracurricular Activities (ECA)

KAHS recognizes the importance of personal development alongside academic learning. The institution supports extracurricular activities such as:

Sports events, including football, volleyball, and athletics
Cultural programs and festivals reflecting Nepal’s diversity
Public health awareness campaigns in nearby villages
Student-led clubs focusing on research, debate, and arts

Scholarships and Financial Support

In line with its mission to serve disadvantaged populations, KAHS provides various forms of financial assistance:

Full or partial scholarships for students from backward and remote districts
Government-sponsored scholarships under national quota systems
Need-based financial aid for economically disadvantaged students
Support for students engaged in research or community service projects

Achievements and Institutional Milestones

Since its inception, KAHS has achieved several notable developments:

Expansion from a zonal hospital to a multi-specialty teaching hospital
Introduction of postgraduate medical programs to strengthen specialist services in remote areas
Establishment of the School of Public Health, Nursing, and Pharmacy to diversify the healthcare workforce development
Implementation of telemedicine services linking remote health posts with specialist consultations
Conducting health research addressing high-altitude medicine, maternal health, infectious diseases, and nutrition

Why Choose This Institution?

KAHS holds a distinct place in Nepal’s health education system due to its:

Strategic focus on rural and marginalized communities
Integration of education, service delivery, and research
Location in Karnali Province, offering real-life exposure to rural health challenges
Commitment to producing professionals who are socially responsible and clinically competent
Government-backed mandate ensuring the affordability and accessibility of education

Conclusion

Karnali Academy of Health Sciences stands as a vital academic and healthcare institution serving some of the most remote and underserved regions of Nepal. By combining education, service delivery, and research under one framework, it addresses both the immediate health needs of the community and the long-term challenge of building a skilled healthcare workforce.

For prospective students, KAHS offers not only academic qualifications but also the opportunity to contribute directly to improving public health in Nepal’s most challenging environments.