BME and declaring Premier Public Institutions as National Priorities in Nepal
Nepal’s health policy environment and health-care delivery system has changed over the last 25 years, during which it witnessed a significant progress in improving citizens’ access to healthcare services. However, a combination of factors intrinsic to the nation continue to influence health service delivery producing variable health outcomes. Nepal stands at a pivotal moment where aligning science, technology, and healthcare can
transform its future. Despite the growing national and global demand for medical innovation, Nepal lacks a structured Biomedical Engineering program (BME) —an urgent need that intersects with national development goals, global health innovation, and the ethical use of emerging technologies. Premier public institutions such as the Institute of Engineering (IOE, Pulchowk), Institute of Medicine (IOM, Maharajgunj), Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), and Lagankhel Mental Hospital hold untapped potential to lead this transformation but require strategic coordination and investment.
Given the Nepal’s target towards achieving universal health coverage and sustainable development targets, there is a need to review and understand the functioning of Nepal’s health system, its strengths, challenges, and opportunities. There is a need to explore the key health system factors influencing health services and healthcare needs, and forge actionable recommendations for the future. Nepal’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including limited access to advanced medical technologies, a shortage of skilled biomedical professionals, and reliance on foreign healthcare services.
Why Biomedical Engineering is Critical for Nepal
Biomedical Engineering merges medicine, engineering, and digital innovation to design
life-saving devices, diagnostic systems, and AI-integrated care solutions. Nepal’s reliance on
foreign healthcare has created an economic and accessibility crisis. Despite talent and demand,
the absence of a biomedical engineering pipeline is contributing to capital flight due to foreign medical tourism, brain drain among high-performing STEM and medical graduates, under-equipped hospitals and clinics, especially in rural areas and policy stagnation in innovation-led healthcare reform
A nationally recognized Biomedical Engineering Degree Program would bridge the gap between
engineering and medical sciences to boost advanced diagnostics and medical devices, enable AI-integrated mental health and elderly care and catalyze local health innovation and entrepreneurship
Biomedical Engineering underpins all these goals—supporting ethical AI, neurotechnology,
telehealth, and culturally adapted diagnostic solutions. THis program should be in alignment with National & Global Priorities. It should align with Nepal Health Policy, Science & Technology Policy, Digital Nepal Framework 2.0 , Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), WHO and UNESCO mandates for health innovation and education
Digital Nepal Framework 2.0 (DNF 2.0) emphasizes healthcare modernization through Electronic Health Records (EHR), Telemedicine and mHealth, Digital Health IDs and interoperability
Despite the presence of esteemed institutions like the Institute of Engineering (IOE), Institute of Medicine (IOM), Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), and Lagankhel Mental Hospital, there is a lack of coordinated efforts and targeted investments to establish Biomedical Engineering programs. Such programs are crucial for integrating medical science with technology, fostering innovation, and improving healthcare delivery.
Biomedical Engineering (BME) is an interdisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes. Globally, BME has been instrumental in developing medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and advanced therapeutic techniques. In Nepal, the formal introduction of BME as a course occurred approximately a decade ago, with institutions like the College of Biomedical Engineering & Applied Sciences pioneering undergraduate programs . However, the expansion and integration of BME into public institutions remain limited.
The Digital Nepal Framework 2.0 (DNF 2.0), unveiled by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, envisions a digitally connected nation with accessible and efficient healthcare services . Implementing BME programs aligns with DNF 2.0’s objectives, particularly in enhancing digital health infrastructure and services.
Challenges
Premier institutions operate in silos, leading to fragmented
initiatives in healthcare technology and innovation with a notable absence of targeted funding for establishing and expanding BME programs in public institutions. The country faces a shortage of skilled biomedical engineers
and technicians, impacting the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
Due to limited local capabilities, citizens often seek medical services abroad, leading to capital flight and underutilization of domestic healthcare facilities.
Policy Recommendations
There is a need to develop interdisciplinary programs combining engineering, medicine, and public health by establishing Biomedical Engineering Programs:
IOE, IOM, NAST, and Lagankhel Mental Hospital should be declared as Institutions of Special National Importance to recognize IOE, IOM, and NAST as institutions of strategic national value. An autonomous governance models with dedicated funding mechanisms to enhance infrastructure, research, and faculty development in alignment with National Policies with the objectives of DNF 2.0 and the National Health Policy.
There is urgent need to foster International Collaboration with global institutions and organizations (e.g., WHO, UNESCO, World Bank) for technical assistance, funding, and knowledge exchange.
BME program will help creation of new academic and research opportunities attracting talent and fostering innovation positioning Nepal as a regional hub for biomedical innovation and healthcare services.
Declaring Institutions of Special National Importance
Despite their prestige, institutions like IOE, IOM, and NAST suffer from: chronic underfunding limited global collaboration. These public institutions should be declared as “Institutions of Special National Importance” enabling a dedicated legal and funding framework, national and international philanthropic engagement, stronger faculty upskilling and mentorship programs with infrastructure for innovation, incubation, and publication and inclusive education for high-potential students across regions
This declaration should be accompanied by a Special Act under Parliament to ensuring autonomous governance with national oversight, Recognition of premier institutions as national priorities are imperative for modernizing Nepal’s healthcare system. Such initiatives will bridge the gap between medical science and technology, reduce dependency on foreign services, and stimulate economic and educational growth. A concerted effort involving government agencies, academic institutions, and international partners is essential to realize this vision.
Conclusion
The establishment of Biomedical Engineering programs and the recognition of premier institutions as national priorities are imperative for modernizing Nepal’s healthcare system. Such initiatives will bridge the gap between medical science and technology, reduce dependency on foreign services, and stimulate economic and educational growth. A concerted effort involving government agencies, academic institutions, and international partners is essential to realize this vision.
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