PM Urges Continued Collaboration Between Kathmandu University and Dhulikhel Hospital for Five Years

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed Kathmandu University (KU) and Dhulikhel Hospital to maintain their collaboration for the next five years to ensure continued service and growth. The directive was issued during the 97th Senate meeting of the university, held today at the Prime Minister’s Residence in Baluwatar.

As Chancellor of Kathmandu University, Prime Minister Oli emphasized the need for the university and the hospital to discuss and resolve any misunderstandings or problems. He stated that the university is not currently in a position to open a new hospital, nor can the government provide the necessary investment. As a result, the partnership with Dhulikhel Hospital should be sustained for at least five years, during which time the university can prepare to establish its own hospital.

“Since the university cannot immediately open a new hospital and the government cannot invest for it, the relationship and cooperation with Dhulikhel Hospital should be continued for at least five years,” said PM Oli. He also instructed that another university meeting be held within the next month to make appropriate decisions and address other challenges.

Dhulikhel Municipality Mayor Ashok Byanju expressed his support for maintaining the relationship with the hospital, noting that a sudden break in ties would not be advisable. Prime Minister Oli, after consulting former Vice-Chancellor Dr. Suresh Raj Sharma, reiterated the importance of continued cooperation between the two institutions.

During the meeting, PM Oli also suggested that the university admit students according to its seating capacity. He clarified that in the last fiscal year, the university’s revenue was 24 percent less than estimated, and the government is unable to provide additional subsidies.

The meeting, attended by Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Bidya Bhattarai, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of the University, approved a budget of Rs 4.30 billion presented by University Registrar Dr. Achyut Wagle. Additionally, the Senate passed the ‘grace list’ of 2,314 students who will graduate from various colleges affiliated with KU during the upcoming 29th convocation ceremony.