BPKIHS is the single largest project implemented through Indo-Nepal co-operation. The University is aptly named after the late Bisheshwar Prasad Koirala, a great nationalist and former Prime Minister of Nepal, who was Nepal’s foremost visionary in social upliftment and firm believer of national reconciliation and national integration.

BPKIHS took over the management of 150-bedded former Eastern Regional Hospital in 1993, With the new hospital complex, the University raised the strength of beds to 700 with added facilities like CCU, ICU, VVIP Critical Care area and Observational beds. Now CT-scan, emergency laboratory, C-arm and mobile x-ray facilities, sterilization section, state-of-the-art Operation Theater with recovery rooms facilities are available in the Hospital.

The medical education at BPKIHS started on October 19, 1994 with the intake of the first batch of MBBS students. Gradully it started B.Sc. Nursing in 1996, BDS, MD/MS, M.Sc. and the CN Programme in 1999, OT and AS in 2000, BMIT in 2001 and B.Sc. MLT in 2005. At present altogether 908 students are studying various programmes. The number of students programme wise is: MD/MS 155, M.Sc. 18, MBBS 264, BDS 160, B.Sc. Nursing 54, B. Sc. MIT 18, Certificate Nursing 120, OT & AS 17, B.Sc MLT 10, MBBS Interns 57 and BDS Interns 35. The Institute is preparing for admission in to MPH programme starting from September 2005. In order to provide students a community oriented medical education and to create a socially accountable health work force in the nation, this Institute has launched the concept of a ‘Teaching District’. Presently Sunsari, Morang Dhankuta, Saptari, Jhapa and Ilam districts are included, but gradually all the districts of the entire eastern region of Nepal (16 districts) will be included in teaching districts.

The MBBS Programme is recognized by the Medical Councils of India and Sri Lanka, in addition to the recognition by the Nepal Medical Council. The world Health Organization has listed this Instiute in the World Directory of Medical Schools, Similarly, the Nepal Nursing council has recognized the B.Sc. Nursing Program. The Institute is processing for obtaining recognition of MD/MS and BDS programmes from the Medical Council of India and Dental Council of India respectively.


BPKIHS gives high priority in research to areas requiring greater attention and the existing and emerging health problems threatening the well being of large population groups using community-oriented, multidisciplinary, integrated and problem solving approach. BPKIHS has its own research committee comprising of researchers from Nepal and abroad. This committee is responsible for approving, monitoring and promoting research activities in the Institute. In this short span of it’s existence more than 100 important research projects including the base line surveys such as ‘Sunsari Health Interview Survey’ and ‘Sunsari Health Examination Survey’ have been completed. Greater emphasis is placed on research, which will lead to application of available knowledge for the benefit of large number of people.

Today, BPKIHS has the highest number of national and expatriate doctors and nurses outside Kathmandu, and BPKIHS is the only Institute in the whole of the Kingdom to be so privileged. The achievements of the last eleven years can be considered as milestones on a road which should lead Dharan to emerging as the ‘Health Capital’ of the country. This road has to be paved with more action, more devotion and absolute commitment to realize this dream. BPKIHS, a fast developing center of excellence, should be prepared to face challenges in its march forward