The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Nepal
Subject: Ensuring Competent Leadership and Unlocking the Potential of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS)
The Karnali region, rich in cultural and historical significance, has immense potential to become a hub for medical education and healthcare services in Nepal. As someone who has served in Nepal’s security forces for over a decade and has now dedicated my service to the people of Karnali, I have witnessed both the promise and challenges of this region. The Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) was established with the noble vision of improving healthcare and medical education in one of Nepal’s most remote areas. However, despite its potential, KAHS has not developed as expected due to political interference and lack of merit-based leadership.
Challenges Facing KAHS:
1.Political Interference in Leadership Appointments:
The institution requires leadership based on merit, experience, and vision rather than political affiliations.
Unqualified appointments hinder progress and discourage talented professionals from joining and contributing.
2.Infrastructure and Resource Limitations:
Despite significant investment, the infrastructure and resources available at KAHS are not being optimally utilized.
There is an urgent need for well-equipped laboratories, faculty training programs, and better student facilities.
3.Lack of Strategic Vision for Development:
3.Jumla and the Karnali region have the potential to become a premier destination for medical education, akin to renowned institutions in Indian hill stations.
A proper strategic plan, including international collaborations, specialized courses, and research initiatives, is needed.
4.Limited Transportation and Accessibility:
Regular scheduled flights (at least three per week) are essential for ensuring smooth connectivity for students, faculty, and patients requiring advanced medical care.
Improved road access and logistics will enhance the viability of KAHS as a center for medical excellence.
1.Merit-Based Appointment of KAHS Leadership:
The government must ensure that only individuals with extensive experience in medical education and hospital administration are appointed to key positions.
An independent selection committee should oversee the appointment process to prevent undue political influence.
2.Strategic Development Plan for KAHS:
A five-year roadmap should be developed, focusing on faculty recruitment, infrastructure improvement, and international partnerships.
Government funding should be aligned with clear performance metrics to ensure accountability and progress.
3.Improved Accessibility to Jumla and KAHS:
The Civil Aviation Authority should prioritize regular flights to Jumla to facilitate movement of medical professionals and students.
Investment in road networks connecting KAHS to major cities will significantly boost its accessibility.
4.Promotion of Karnali as a Medical Education Hub:
Special incentives should be provided to encourage students and faculty to work in KAHS, such as scholarships, grants, and research funding.
National and international collaborations should be actively pursued to enhance the reputation of KAHS.
The Karnali region, particularly Sinja and Jumla, holds historical and cultural significance as the birthplace of the Khas civilization. It is time we honor this legacy by ensuring that institutions like KAHS reach their full potential. We urge the Prime Minister, who also serves as the Chancellor of KAHS, to prioritize merit-based leadership appointments and strategic development initiatives. This is not just about KAHS—it is about the future of healthcare and medical education in Nepal.
The people of Jumla and Karnali are ready for change. We seek leadership that inspires, infrastructure that enables, and policies that uplift. The time for transformation is now.
