Feasibility of Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nepal

Enepalese Published on: June 17, 2023

Date: 6/24/2023, Time: Time: 9AM EST, 6AM PST (US), 6:45PM (Nepal) via Zoom Platform
Speakers:

  1. Sangita Pudasainee-Kapri, Ph.D., DNP, RN, APN, FNP-BC, CPN; Assistant Professor,
    Rutgers University-Camden, President: Nepalese American Nurses Association
  2. Poonam K.C., DNP, APN, RN, CCRN; Past position: NP in the US, Current position:
    Chief Nursing Director at Norvic Hospital, Nepal
  3. Bhagwan Koirala MD, FACC, Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Manmohan
    cardiothoracic vascular and transplant centre, TUTH, Kathmandu Institute of Child
    Health-KIOCH, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre
  4. Dr. Anil Bikram Karki, President, Nepal Medical Association, Senior Consultant Head
    and Neck Oncology, BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital Bharatpur
  5. 5. Bishnu Sapkota MD, FACG, Vice President, America Nepal Medical Foundation
  6. Professor Sarala KC, President of Nepal Nursing Council, Dean of Nursing Council,
    Patan Academy of Health Science, Patan Lalitpur
    Background and context: There are a shortage of doctors in primary care worldwide including
    in Nepal. A possible solution to the shortage of doctors in primary care settings in Nepal by
    implementing Nurse practitioner programs in Nepal.
    Discussion items: Feasibility of implementing NP programs in Nepal.

Examples of discussion points
Research-based Benefits

  1. Improvement in patient outcomes by increasing primary care services.
  2. Improves patient education on chronic disease management and preventative
    services.
  3. Improves global recognition of medical programs outside of Nepal
  4. Improves employment opportunities as well as Nepal can utilize medical practitioners
    trained outside of Nepal to come up with creative solutions in healthcare
    Future obstacles:
  • Medical professionals may not be in favor of APNs in Nepal due to political and
    other reasons.
  • Skilled medical practitioners trained outside of Nepal not being able to utilize the
    skills in Nepal.
  • Infrastructure, training and curriculum issues that cannot practically produce
    qualified ARNPs