Kathmandu: The Nepal Medical Council is investigating the credentials and registration records of foreign doctors working at medical colleges and health institutions across Nepal.
The council is examining documents submitted by doctors from 12 countries after previously finding certificates submitted by 14 foreign doctors to be fraudulent. Their registration process was subsequently suspended.
Dr Chhabi Panthi, a council member and coordinator of the committee investigating foreign doctors, said files belonging to 283 foreign doctors have now been taken up for review.
The council has contacted medical councils in the doctors’ respective countries to verify their academic qualifications and the authenticity of their certificates. Responses for many cases are still pending.
“We are investigating doctors who have come to Nepal from abroad. Faculty members from 12 countries are involved, and we are reviewing 283 files,” Panthi said. “We have contacted the medical councils of the respective countries. Some have responded, while others have yet to do so.”
The council plans to complete the investigation after Tihar. However, the process has moved more slowly than expected following changes in the council’s leadership and membership. Officials said the schedules of some committee members have also delayed the investigation.
The review will not be limited to foreign doctors working at medical colleges. The council also plans to examine the records of registered foreign doctors working at private hospitals, nongovernmental organizations and international nongovernmental organizations in Nepal.
Separately, the Ministry of Education has begun examining faculty records at medical colleges. Ministry officials are reviewing information, photographs, videos and other evidence submitted by students.
“Medical colleges need actual faculty members in classrooms,” a ministry source said. “If colleges are found using fake or temporary faculty members merely to secure seats or maintain accreditation, everyone involved will be held accountable.”
The ministry said doctors found involved in such irregularities could face disciplinary action ranging from suspension to revocation of their medical licenses.
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