Certificate in General Medicine (HA)

Certificate in General Medicine (HA) at Nepali Army College of Health Sciences (NACHS)

The Certificate in General Medicine (Health Assistant - HA) program at Nepali Army College of Health Sciences (NACHS), located in Bhandarkhal, Sanobharyang, Kathmandu, plays a pivotal role in strengthening Nepal’s middle-level healthcare workforce.

The program is structured to provide students with the academic foundation, practical skills, and ethical grounding required to function effectively in community health centers, primary care facilities, and hospitals. Affiliated with the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), this course is aligned with Nepal's national health priorities and recognized by relevant authorities.

Highlights

• Course Title: Certificate in General Medicine (Health Assistant)

• Duration: 3 years

• Affiliation: Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT)

• Annual Intake: 40 Students (20 from Army background, 20 civilians)

• Location: NACHS, Bhandarkhal, Sanobharyang, Kathmandu

• Teaching Hospital: Tri-Chandra Military Hospital

• Medium of Instruction: English and/or Nepali

Curriculum Details

The course follows a yearly system divided across three years. Each year includes theoretical instruction, lab practice, and hospital/community-based training. The academic year consists of 35 weeks, including assessments.

First Year

• Nepali

• English

• Social Studies

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Zoology

• Botany

• Mathematics and Statistics

Second Year

• Medicine I

• Surgery I

• Clinical Pathology

• Environmental Health

• Pharmacology and Pharmacy

• Basic Medical Procedures and First Aid

• Primary Health Care and Family Health

• Health Education

Third Year

• Medicine II

• Surgery II

• Epidemiology and Demography

• Community Diagnosis

• Health Management

Objectives

The primary aim of the program is to prepare middle-level health professionals who are capable of delivering a range of preventive, promotive, diagnostic, and curative services in both rural and urban settings. It also aims to:

• Train students to assess patients and manage common illnesses

• Develop competencies in minor medical and surgical procedures

• Prepare students to conduct community-based health interventions

• Enable graduates to provide maternal and child healthcare

• Instill the ability to manage health administration, referrals, and recordkeeping

Scope

Graduates can serve in:

• Government hospitals

• Primary health care centers

• Health posts

• Private clinics and hospitals

• NGOs/INGOs

• Polyclinics and emergency services

They are eligible for the Non-gazetted 1st Class Technical Health Assistant designation as per Public Service Commission guidelines.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Deliver primary medical care in line with national standards

• Counsel patients and families regarding treatment plans

• Assist in emergencies and perform first aid

• Handle administrative tasks and maintain patient records

• Contribute to national health initiatives and community health promotion

Skill Development Modules

• Diagnosis and management of common diseases

• Basic surgical assistance and minor procedures

• Community health education

• Immunization and maternal-child healthcare

• Health documentation and administrative tasks

Teaching Methodology

• Illustrated classroom lectures

• Laboratory demonstrations and supervised practice

• Hospital postings and bedside teaching

• Group discussions and case presentations

• Community field visits and health diagnosis exercises

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• SEE/SLC graduate with GPA ≥2.0 in compulsory subjects (English, Math, Science)

• CMA pass with at least 68.33%

• Successful completion of the CTEVT entrance exam

• Final selection is based on merit

Attendance Policy

Students must maintain an attendance rate of 90% or higher in each subject to be eligible for final exams.

Examinations and Evaluation

• Internal Assessment: Continuous assessments including tests, assignments, and practicals

• Final Examination: Conducted by CTEVT

• Pass Marks: 40% in theory and 50% in practical

Grading System

• Distinction: ≥80%

• First Division: 65% to <80%

• Second Division: 50% to <65%

• Pass Division: Below 50%

Re-examination Policy

Students are allowed to take re-exams within six years of enrollment. Final-year students may attempt a chance exam if they fail.

Certification

Graduates receive the "Proficiency Certificate Level in General Medicine" accredited by CTEVT, qualifying them as registered Health Assistants.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are eligible for:

• Health Assistant roles in government health institutions

• Employment in private clinics, polyclinics, and NGOs/INGOs

• Community health coordination positions

• Higher studies in BPH, B.Ed in Health, MBBS, or other relevant fields

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships are available for:

• Students from Army backgrounds

• CTEVT scholarship quota recipients

• Meritorious students under institutional criteria

Why Choose This Course?

• Nationally accepted qualification with government recognition

• Hands-on learning at Tri-Chandra Military Hospital

• Exposure to both clinical and community settings

• Strong focus on discipline and ethics

• Clear pathway to government jobs and further studies

Faculty Members

Second and Third Year Faculty:

1. T./Col. Prof. Dr. Kumar Rokka (Clinical Coordinator)

2. Mrs. Srijana Dhakal (Coordinator)

3. Mr. Rajesh Kumar Yadav

4. Mr. Matrika Sharma

5. Mr. Shiva Neupane

First Year Basic Science Faculty:

1. Mr. Amar Gnawali

2. Mr. Surat Kumar Puri

3. Mr. Gajendra Pd. Chataut

4. Mr. Roshan Babu Adhikari

5. Mr. Tirtha Raj Bhandari

6. Mr. Sailesh Adhikari

7. Mr. Shekhar Pokharel

8. Mr. Tara Pd. Neupane

9. Mrs. Puspa Sharma

Conclusion

The Certificate in General Medicine program at NACHS is a credible, structured, and practical academic course for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. With national accreditation, disciplined training, and a focus on real-world readiness, it serves as a strong stepping stone for those aiming to contribute to Nepal’s health sector.