Declaring Institutions of Special National Importance
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. Programs in biomedical engineering, particularly when integrated with mental health, AI, and public health infrastructure, are not optional — they are essential for Nepal’s future. Institutions like IOE and IOM are unable to offer permanent faculty positions for such emerging fields. This undermines the stability, innovation, and long-term success of these critical disciplines.