Sahid Dasharath Chand Health Science University Bill Passed
The House of Representatives has passed the Sahid Dasharath Chand Health Science University Bill and proposed amendments. The legislation now moves to the National Assembly for further consideration. If approved there, the bill will proceed to certification and come into effect.
University to Be Established in Kailali
The bill was endorsed on Sunday following a proposal from Raghuji Pant, Minister for Education, Science, and Technology. First registered on Ashwin 19, 2080 (October 6, 2023), the bill outlines plans to establish the university’s central office in Kailali District, part of Sudurpashchim Province.
It has taken nearly 20 months to reach this stage. The university is intended to expand health education, research, and academic training in remote and underserved areas of the country.
Clause-Wise Review to Continue
Next, the bill will undergo a clause-by-clause review in the House International Relations and Tourism Committee before implementation.
The university will focus on medical education, health science research, academic development, and applied learning.
A School of Health Sciences will be established at the university’s main campus to provide educational programs and healthcare services in one location.
Lawmakers Welcome the Decision
The bill received unanimous support in Parliament, with members highlighting its importance for regional equity and honoring national history.
Statements from the House
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MP Yogesh Kumar Bhattarai called the decision a long-awaited response to demands from the Far-West.
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MP Dr. Amaresh Kumar Singh noted that Madhesh Province still lacks a government medical college and stressed the need to replicate such efforts across Nepal.
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MP Kiran Kumar Sah described the university as a tribute to the legacy of martyr Dasharath Chand.
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MP Dr. Chanda Karki Bhandari emphasized that the university should remain free from political bias and focus on quality health education.
Focus on Leadership and Long-Term Goals
Several lawmakers raised points about how the university should operate and be governed:
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MP Devendra Paudel recommended a competitive selection process for university leadership.
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MP Dilendra Prasad Badu proposed making it a model medical and health education institution.
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MP Prem Suwal reiterated the demand to establish Khwopa University, citing the need for broader educational development.
Other contributing MPs included Damodar Paudel Bairagi, Bijula Rayamajhi, Ram Krishna Yadav, Ram Prakash Chaudhary, Dayal Bahadur Shahi, Prem Ale, and Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, all of whom supported the bill’s intent to strengthen healthcare education and reduce regional gaps.
Decentralized Education
Expectations are rising as the bill moves closer to implementation. Supporters believe it will bring accessible health education to neglected regions, promote research, and recognize national figures through academic advancement.
Calls have also been made to extend similar efforts to other provinces, especially Madhesh, to ensure universal access to public medical education.
This bill marks a practical step toward decentralizing higher education in Nepal and sets the foundation for more inclusive policy reforms in the health and education sectors.
