B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) stands as one of Nepal’s most prestigious and pioneering medical universities, renowned for its comprehensive approach to medical education, research, and clinical services. Established with the goal of bridging healthcare gaps in Nepal and neighboring regions, the institute has become a beacon of excellence, combining academic rigor with compassionate care. Over the years, BPKIHS has produced thousands of skilled healthcare professionals who serve both domestically and internationally.
Situated in Dharan, in the eastern region of Nepal, BPKIHS has grown from a small regional medical school into a leading health sciences university that integrates education, research, and patient care. This article explores the history, academic structure, programs, facilities, research initiatives, and the significance of BPKIHS in shaping the future of healthcare in Nepal and beyond.
The B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences was established in 1993 through collaboration between the Government of Nepal and the Government of India. Named after Nepal’s first democratically elected Prime Minister, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, a leader deeply committed to education and health development, the institution embodies his ideals of service, equality, and national progress.
BPKIHS was inaugurated as an autonomous health sciences university in 1998, marking a milestone in Nepal’s medical education landscape. Its establishment aimed to address the shortage of qualified medical professionals, promote community-based education, and ensure accessible healthcare to rural populations.
BPKIHS follows a mission rooted in service and education. Its primary goals include:
Training competent healthcare professionals with a community-oriented and socially accountable approach.
Providing quality healthcare services with special emphasis on rural and underserved communities.
Promoting medical research and innovation to address public health challenges specific to Nepal.
Encouraging academic collaboration at both national and international levels for the advancement of medical knowledge.
BPKIHS is recognized by major international medical councils, including the Medical Council of India (MCI), World Health Organization (WHO), and Nepal Medical Council (NMC). Its graduates are eligible to practice medicine worldwide after fulfilling local licensing requirements. The institute also partners with various universities and organizations across the globe for research, student exchange, and clinical collaboration programs.
BPKIHS offers a range of undergraduate courses designed to cultivate highly skilled healthcare professionals with a deep understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of medicine.
Major undergraduate programs include:
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) – The flagship program that emphasizes problem-based learning and community health exposure.
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) – Focused on oral health sciences, dental surgery, and preventive dentistry.
B.Sc. Nursing – A comprehensive program preparing students for clinical and community nursing roles.
B.Sc. MIT, B.Sc. MLT, B.Sc. Optometry, and B.Sc. Radiography – Allied health sciences programs focusing on laboratory, imaging, and diagnostic technologies.
For those seeking advanced specialization, BPKIHS offers diverse postgraduate programs across multiple disciplines.
Key postgraduate courses include:
MD/MS Programs in fields like Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Anesthesiology, Orthopedics, and more.
MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) for advanced dental practice and research.
M.Sc. Nursing for leadership and advanced practice in the nursing field.
Each program integrates rigorous coursework, clinical rotations, and research components, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for real-world challenges.
BPKIHS also offers Ph.D. programs in medical and health sciences disciplines, encouraging scholars to pursue innovative research that contributes to the global medical community. In addition, fellowship programs are available in super-specialty areas, providing hands-on exposure to cutting-edge medical procedures and technology.
The sprawling BPKIHS campus in Dharan offers a serene learning environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The campus includes modern classrooms, simulation labs, research centers, and specialized laboratories.
Key facilities include:
Central Library: Equipped with digital resources, e-journals, and over 50,000 volumes of medical literature.
Lecture Halls: Fully air-conditioned with advanced audio-visual systems to enhance learning experiences.
Research Laboratories: Support biomedical and clinical research activities.
The BPKIHS Teaching Hospital, with over 700 beds, serves as the primary training center for students. It offers comprehensive healthcare services, including emergency care, surgery, maternal and child health, and specialized departments.
Notable hospital departments include:
Medicine and Surgery
Pediatrics and Obstetrics-Gynecology
Orthopedics and Psychiatry
Cardiology and Neurology
Dental and ENT Units
The hospital’s patient flow provides medical students ample opportunities to gain hands-on clinical experience, making it one of the busiest and most respected hospitals in eastern Nepal.
BPKIHS offers comfortable on-campus hostels for both local and international students. Facilities include furnished rooms, dining halls, recreation centers, and sports complexes. The institute promotes a vibrant student life with cultural programs, student societies, and sports events that foster a sense of community.
Research is integral to BPKIHS’s mission. The institute encourages evidence-based practices and has established specialized research departments in epidemiology, public health, microbiology, and pharmacology.
Students and faculty collaborate on projects funded by national and international agencies, addressing pressing health challenges such as infectious diseases, maternal health, and non-communicable diseases.
One of BPKIHS’s distinguishing features is its community-based learning model, which integrates students directly into Nepal’s rural healthcare system. Medical students participate in field visits, health camps, and community outreach programs to understand local health issues and provide preventive care.
Through its School of Public Health and Community Medicine, BPKIHS plays an active role in promoting national health programs. It works with the government to conduct vaccination drives, health awareness campaigns, and disease surveillance initiatives.
BPKIHS attracts students from Nepal, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and several African nations. Its international recognition makes it a favored destination for MBBS aspirants who seek quality education at an affordable cost.
For the MBBS program, students must:
Have completed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
Obtain at least 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination.
Qualify for the BPKIHS Entrance Examination, which evaluates knowledge in core science subjects.
International students are selected based on merit and entrance examination results. Admission procedures are transparent and strictly merit-based.
Graduates of BPKIHS have gone on to pursue successful medical careers globally. Many alumni work in prestigious hospitals, research institutions, and universities worldwide. The institute’s emphasis on ethical practice, research orientation, and social accountability prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare.
BPKIHS provides numerous scholarships and financial aid programs to deserving students, particularly those from rural or underprivileged backgrounds.
High-performing students in entrance exams are awarded merit scholarships that cover tuition fees, accommodation, and academic materials.
The Government of Nepal, along with other agencies, funds scholarships aimed at increasing access to medical education for students from marginalized communities. International students may also apply for limited scholarship options based on merit and need.
The teaching faculty at BPKIHS includes experienced doctors, professors, and researchers with advanced degrees and clinical expertise. The institute fosters a mentor-mentee culture, ensuring personalized academic guidance.
Faculty members regularly participate in international workshops and conferences to stay updated with global medical advancements. This ensures that the teaching curriculum remains modern and aligned with global standards.
The BPKIHS Alumni Association connects thousands of graduates working in diverse healthcare sectors across the globe. Alumni actively support institutional development through mentorship, research collaborations, and donations.
Many alumni have contributed significantly to Nepal’s healthcare system by establishing hospitals, NGOs, and medical programs targeting underprivileged communities. Their achievements reflect the institute’s commitment to service and leadership.
BPKIHS aims to introduce new programs in emerging areas like biomedical engineering, digital health, and global health policy.
Plans are underway to expand hospital facilities, establish new research centers, and develop international collaboration offices.
The institute envisions becoming a center of excellence in South Asia, emphasizing sustainable health practices, advanced technology, and inclusive education.
B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences has transformed the landscape of medical education and healthcare in Nepal. From its humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognized institution, BPKIHS stands as a symbol of academic excellence, compassion, and service. Its emphasis on community-based education, research, and ethical medical practice continues to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.
Through innovation, integrity, and inclusivity, BPKIHS not only trains doctors and nurses—it nurtures leaders dedicated to improving health outcomes and advancing humanity.