Supreme Court Grants MBBS Program Affiliation to Durga Prasai's B&C Medical College
The Supreme Court, in a significant ruling on Monday, directed the Medical Education Commission and Kathmandu University to grant affiliation to B&C Medical College situated in Birtamode, owned by the controversial businessman Durga Prasai. This decision follows a series of legal proceedings initiated by Prasai, who argued against what he perceived as the unjust exclusion of his college from affiliation despite meeting all necessary criteria. Despite opposition from individuals like Shashi Bikram Karki, the division bench of Justices Kumar Chudal and Saranga Subedi sided with Prasai's plea, instructing relevant authorities not to impede the college's affiliation if it meets the stipulated requirements.
B&C Medical College, having received a letter of intent from the Ministry of Education in 2014, has been actively advocating for affiliation to offer the MBBS program, boasting adequate infrastructure for such endeavors. Despite initial hurdles, in June 2021, the commission, under the leadership of then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, signaled approval for affiliation, pending completion of necessary legal formalities. This decision holds significance given Prasai's political affiliations, having previously been associated with CPN-UML and later with Maoist factions, and his evolving stance, presently critical of Oli and the UML, advocating for the reinstatement of the Hindu kingdom.
Opposition to granting affiliation to B&C Medical College has been led by Dr. Govinda KC, an orthopedic surgeon, supported by some educators. They argue that such a decision contravenes the National Medical Education Act 2019, which was endorsed to address KC's concerns. Clause 13(6) of the Act imposes a limit of five affiliations per university once enacted, with an exemption for colleges outside Kathmandu Valley holding a pre-Act letter of intent. B&C Medical College's acquisition of such a letter in 2014 places it within this exemption, as highlighted by supporters of Dr. KC.
However, supporters of Dr. KC maintain that Kathmandu University and Tribhuvan University have already surpassed the prescribed limit of five affiliations, suggesting they should not grant further affiliations. Nevertheless, they express willingness to accept affiliation from Purbanchal University, provided it establishes its own constituent medical wing, a prerequisite for granting affiliations to private entities. The decision by the Supreme Court thus adds a new chapter to the ongoing saga surrounding medical education in Nepal, balancing legal frameworks, political dynamics, and the aspirations of various stakeholders within the country's healthcare system.
