Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS), located in Jumla, Nepal, stands as a beacon of hope and progress for healthcare education and services in the country’s most remote and underserved region. Established with the vision to improve healthcare accessibility and quality in the Karnali zone, KAHS has evolved into one of Nepal’s most important institutions for medical and health sciences education. It not only nurtures competent healthcare professionals but also contributes significantly to the research and development of Nepal’s medical sector.
This article explores every aspect of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences — from its history, programs, and infrastructure to its admission process, campus life, and contributions to healthcare in Nepal.
Karnali Academy of Health Sciences was officially established in 2011 under the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences Act, endorsed by the Parliament of Nepal. Its foundation was laid with the aim of promoting advanced medical education, research, and healthcare delivery in the remote western region of Nepal, particularly the Karnali zone.
Before KAHS came into existence, the Karnali region faced severe shortages of healthcare professionals, limited medical facilities, and a lack of medical education institutions. To address this, the Government of Nepal initiated the creation of KAHS as a semi-autonomous academic and healthcare institution. The Academy has since played a transformative role in improving the region’s healthcare infrastructure and human resource capacity.
The Academy’s vision is to be a center of excellence in health sciences education, service, and research, primarily focused on rural health and community well-being.
The mission of KAHS includes:
Providing quality medical and health sciences education.
Conducting need-based health research.
Delivering affordable and accessible healthcare services to underserved communities.
Producing skilled medical professionals who are committed to serving in rural areas.
2011 – Establishment of KAHS under a special Act of Parliament.
2014 – Launch of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program.
2015 – Expansion of hospital facilities with additional wards and advanced medical equipment.
2019 – Introduction of postgraduate programs and paramedical training courses.
2022 onwards – Enhancement of research facilities and telemedicine initiatives for remote healthcare delivery.
Karnali Academy of Health Sciences offers a wide range of academic programs across undergraduate, postgraduate, and paramedical levels. The institution emphasizes practical training, community engagement, and rural healthcare exposure to prepare students for real-world challenges.
The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program at KAHS is one of its flagship courses. It aims to produce competent, ethical, and socially responsible doctors equipped to serve in rural and urban healthcare settings.
The MBBS course is a five-and-a-half-year program, which includes one year of compulsory internship. The curriculum integrates both theoretical and clinical components, ensuring comprehensive exposure to all fields of medicine.
Pre-clinical Phase: Subjects such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology.
Para-clinical Phase: Subjects like Pathology, Pharmacology, and Microbiology.
Clinical Phase: Hands-on training in Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynecology.
Internship: One-year compulsory rotational internship in various departments.
Completion of 10+2 (Science) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Minimum 50% aggregate marks.
Qualification in the Medical Education Commission (MEC) entrance examination of Nepal.
KAHS also offers postgraduate medical programs, focusing on developing specialists for the healthcare system.
General Medicine
Surgery
Pediatrics
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Anesthesiology
These programs follow a three-year structure with both academic coursework and clinical responsibilities at KAHS Teaching Hospital.
Apart from MBBS and MD/MS, KAHS runs several diploma and bachelor-level programs in health sciences, including:
Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNS)
Bachelor in Public Health (BPH)
Diploma in Pharmacy
Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)
Diploma in Radiography
These programs play an important role in fulfilling the healthcare workforce needs of the country.
Situated in the beautiful yet rugged landscape of Jumla, the KAHS campus combines natural serenity with modern facilities, making it an ideal setting for academic and clinical learning.
The academic block houses lecture halls, seminar rooms, and laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Digital classrooms and simulation labs provide interactive learning experiences, while the well-equipped library supports research and study with extensive medical journals and e-resources.
The Karnali Academy of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital is a 300-bed tertiary care facility that serves as a clinical training ground for medical students and provides advanced healthcare services to the Karnali region.
General Medicine
Surgery
Pediatrics
Orthopedics
Obstetrics and Gynecology
ENT
Radiology
Emergency and Critical Care
24-hour emergency services
Operation theatres with modern equipment
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Laboratory and diagnostic services
Telemedicine unit for remote consultations
The Academy emphasizes research-based learning. The research division encourages both students and faculty to engage in studies related to rural health, epidemiology, maternal and child health, and infectious diseases.
The laboratories are equipped with advanced instruments for practical sessions in anatomy, pathology, and microbiology, enabling students to develop strong scientific and diagnostic skills.
KAHS boasts a team of highly qualified and dedicated faculty members who combine academic expertise with extensive field experience. The professors, associate professors, and lecturers are often involved in community-based health programs and research initiatives, contributing to the improvement of public health in remote regions.
The institution adopts modern teaching approaches such as:
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to develop analytical and clinical decision-making skills.
Community-Based Learning (CBL) where students work directly with local communities.
Interactive Seminars and Workshops to foster collaboration and practical understanding.
Continuous assessment through assignments, practical exams, viva voce, and clinical evaluations ensures that students remain consistently engaged and motivated to excel academically.
Admission to the MBBS and other medical programs at KAHS is highly competitive and merit-based, ensuring that only the most dedicated students join the Academy.
Completion of higher secondary education in science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
Minimum GPA of 3.0 or 50% marks.
Successful qualification in the Medical Education Commission (MEC) Entrance Examination.
Online Registration: Candidates fill out the online application through the official KAHS or MEC portal.
Entrance Examination: Conducted by the MEC, comprising multiple-choice questions in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Merit List and Counseling: Based on exam scores, students are invited for counseling and seat allocation.
Document Verification: Candidates must present academic transcripts, certificates, and proof of nationality.
KAHS maintains an affordable fee structure compared to other medical institutions in Nepal. Additionally, the Academy offers scholarships and financial aid for meritorious and economically disadvantaged students.
Government Scholarships based on merit and need.
KAHS Institutional Scholarships for top-performing students.
Rural Service Scholarships for students committed to working in remote areas post-graduation.
Life at KAHS is both academically enriching and personally fulfilling. The university promotes a balanced environment where students can engage in extracurricular, cultural, and social activities alongside their studies.
The Academy provides on-campus hostels for both male and female students, offering comfortable and safe living conditions. Hostel facilities include:
Well-furnished rooms
Internet access
Dining halls with hygienic meals
Recreational areas
Students are encouraged to participate in:
Sports and cultural programs
Student health camps in nearby villages
National and international seminars
Debates, quizzes, and medical exhibitions
These activities foster teamwork, leadership, and community engagement.
Various student bodies at KAHS, such as the Students’ Association, Youth Volunteers for Health, and Research Clubs, promote professional growth, peer learning, and public health awareness initiatives.
KAHS is at the forefront of rural health research and innovation in Nepal. The Research and Development Unit encourages faculty and students to conduct projects addressing regional health challenges.
Epidemiology and infectious diseases
Maternal and child health
Environmental and occupational health
Nutrition and community medicine
Telemedicine and digital healthcare
KAHS collaborates with national and international health organizations, NGOs, and government bodies for joint research, workshops, and development projects.
Such partnerships have led to impactful studies that inform national health policies and improve community health outcomes.
A defining feature of KAHS is its commitment to community service. The Academy organizes regular medical outreach programs, mobile health camps, and awareness campaigns in remote districts of Karnali.
Free health check-ups in mountain villages.
Maternal and neonatal care programs.
Vaccination drives and health education sessions.
Training for local health workers and volunteers.
These programs align with the Academy’s mission to make quality healthcare accessible to all, irrespective of geography or income.
Karnali Academy of Health Sciences has gained recognition for its academic quality and social impact. It is recognized by the Nepal Medical Council (NMC) and is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), making its graduates eligible for global medical licensing exams such as the USMLE, PLAB, and others.
The Academy maintains collaborations with foreign universities and medical institutions for:
Exchange programs for students and faculty.
Joint research initiatives.
Training in advanced medical technologies.
These collaborations enhance the global exposure and competence of KAHS graduates.
Karnali Academy of Health Sciences has gained recognition for its academic quality and social impact. It is recognized by the Nepal Medical Council (NMC) and is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), making its graduates eligible for global medical licensing exams such as the USMLE, PLAB, and others.
The Academy maintains collaborations with foreign universities and medical institutions for:
Exchange programs for students and faculty.
Joint research initiatives.
Training in advanced medical technologies.
These collaborations enhance the global exposure and competence of KAHS graduates.
Karnali Academy of Health Sciences represents a transformative force in Nepal’s medical education and healthcare delivery. By bridging the gap between medical science and rural needs, it continues to nurture a new generation of compassionate, skilled, and socially responsible healthcare professionals.
The Academy’s holistic approach—integrating education, research, and service—makes it not only a top choice for aspiring medical students but also a crucial pillar in Nepal’s journey toward universal healthcare access.
For those dreaming of a meaningful career in medicine, grounded in service and excellence, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences is a destination where purpose meets profession.