Solve Shortfall Of Health Professionals

Nepal is grappling with significant challenges and a severe shortage of healthcare professionals. The demand for healthcare services has been increasing rapidly, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the country seems to have failed to adequately plan for the growing need for healthcare professionals, resulting in a shortage of students in health sciences colleges across the country. 

One of the most pressing issues is the delay in admission after the Medical Education Commission (MEC) entrance examination, coupled with a shortage of students at colleges. Nepal's health sciences colleges are facing a severe shortage of students due to the delayed admission process caused by the MEC entrance examination. This issue has raised concerns among educators, policymakers, and students alike, as it threatens to disrupt the healthcare system and exacerbate the existing scarcity of healthcare professionals in the country. 

Noble intention

The MEC entrance examination was introduced with the noble intention of ensuring quality education and producing competent healthcare professionals. However, the unintended consequences of this examination have become apparent, particularly in the form of delayed admissions. The examination process itself is time-consuming, involving multiple stages, which prolongs the admission process and leaves students in limbo.

The delayed admission process has resulted in a significant shortage of students in health sciences colleges across the country. Many students who have cleared the MEC entrance examination are forced to wait for months before they can secure a seat in their desired college. This waiting period not only hampers their academic progress but also discourages them from pursuing a career in healthcare. Consequently, the number of students opting for health sciences courses has dwindled, exacerbating the existing shortage of healthcare professionals nationwide. 

The MEC's failure to provide adequate career counseling and awareness programmes has also contributed to the shortage of students in health sciences colleges. Many students in Nepal are unaware of the various career opportunities available in the healthcare sector. Consequently, they opt for other fields of study, leading to a scarcity of healthcare professionals. The shortage of students in health sciences colleges has far-reaching implications for Nepal's healthcare system. The country already faces a severe shortage of doctors, pharmacists, nurses, public health graduates, and other healthcare professionals.

 The delayed admission process only worsens this crisis, as it restricts the number of new professionals entering the workforce. This scarcity of healthcare professionals directly impacts the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, especially in rural areas where the need is most acute. The delay in admission hampers the timely commencement of academic sessions, leading to a disruption in the overall curriculum. This delay not only affects the student's learning experience but also impacts the quality of education provided. The delay in admission after the MEC entrance examination has become a recurring problem in recent years. This delay not only affects aspiring medical students but also hampers the overall efficiency of the medical education system. The primary reason behind this delay is the lack of coordination and communication between the MEC and the respective colleges/universities. 

The absence of a streamlined admission process leads to confusion and frustration among students who have worked hard to secure a place in medical colleges. Furthermore, the delay in admission has severe consequences for student's career plans and aspirations. Many students who pass the MEC entrance examination are left in limbo, uncertain about their future, and unable to plan their academic journey. This uncertainty can lead to a loss of motivation and potential talent, as students may choose alternative career paths or seek education opportunities abroad leading to huge financial loss. 

Moreover, the shortage of students at colleges threatens the availability of qualified health professionals in the country. Nepal already faces a scarcity of healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas. The shortage of students exacerbates this problem, making it challenging to meet the healthcare needs of the population. 

Urgent measures need to be taken to tackle the shortage of students in health sciences colleges. Firstly, the MEC entrance examination process should be streamlined to reduce the time taken for evaluation and announcement of results. This will expedite the admission process and minimise the waiting period for students. To address the delay in admission and shortage of students, several measures can be taken. Firstly, the MEC and the respective colleges/universities must establish a robust communication system to ensure a streamlined admission process. Clear guidelines and timelines should be provided to students, minimising confusion and frustration.

Collaborations

Secondly, efforts should be made to improve the quality of health education in the country. This can be achieved through collaborations with international institutions, exchange programmes, and investments in faculty development. Enhancing the reputation of Nepali health science colleges will attract more students and alleviate the shortage. The delay in admission after the MEC entrance examination and the shortage of students at colleges are pressing issues that demand immediate attention. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort from the MEC, universities, colleges, and the government.

By streamlining the admission process and improving the quality of health science education, Nepal can ensure a brighter future for its health science education sector and meet the healthcare needs of its population. Furthermore, MEC should collaborate with educational institutions and healthcare organisations to conduct awareness campaigns, career fairs, and counselling sessions to educate students about the benefits and prospects of pursuing health sciences education.

(Dr. Lohani is the clinical director at the Nepal Drug and Poison Information Centre. lohanis@gmail.com)