Confusion Surrounds the Appointment Process for Vice Chancellors Amid Shortlisting in Ministry
2 Jestha, Kathmandu — Leading health science institutions in the country, pivotal in medical education and specialized health services, have been without leadership for an extended period. Following the government’s issuance of an ordinance in 2083 (Bikram Sambat) concerning the dismissal of public officials, the heads of these institutions were removed. However, despite more than a month and a half passing, the appointment process remains stalled, causing issues for the institutions’ long-term plans and policy decisions.
The Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene announced the list of applicants for the posts of Vice Chancellor for six health science institutions on 19 Jestha. Since then, the selection process has failed to gain the expected momentum. According to ministry sources, all stages from application collection to evaluation must go through technical and administrative procedures, which has delayed the finalization of appointments. Applications received via an online system are coded and evaluated by experts, with applicant identities concealed to ensure impartial assessment. This confidentiality requirement in the procedure has extended the timeline, the ministry explained.
The ministry plans to finalize a shortlist for the Vice Chancellor positions within the next two weeks. Currently, the Medical Science National Academy (NAMS), Patan Health Science Academy, Pokhara Health Science Academy, Rapti Health Science Academy, BP Koirala Health Science Academy, and Karnali Health Science Academy are all operating under acting leadership. The ministry asserts that the selection process is based solely on candidates’ qualifications, experience, and competence, free from political or other external influences.
A total of 113 candidates have applied for the six institutions, with the highest number—26 applicants—applying for the Pokhara Health Science Academy. According to procedural guidelines, the selection committee must evaluate candidates based on educational qualifications, experience, research contributions, leadership skills, and managerial capabilities to create a merit list. In the final stage, three candidates will be recommended for each vacant post.
Dr. Sameer Adhikari, the ministry’s spokesperson, noted that the involvement of experts in the evaluation process has made the Vice Chancellor selection more transparent, competitive, and reliable, which is the reason for the delay. The recommendation committee will conduct the preliminary shortlisting of candidates according to the established criteria.
Ultimately, for each vacant position, three names will be forwarded by the recommendation committee. The final decision will be made by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, who serve as the chancellors of the respective institutions.