Kathmandu — An agreement to allow Maldivian medical students to study in Nepal has reached its final stages.
During a meeting between Nepal’s Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel and Maldives’ State Minister for Health Ahmed Gasim at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, positive discussions were held regarding the draft agreement.
Minister Paudel stated that the draft is in its concluding phase and preparations are underway to finalize the agreement soon. Nepal is ready to welcome Maldivian students for MD, MS, and MBBS programs, with consultations ongoing to allocate a separate quota for Maldivian students to ensure opportunities for Nepalese students are not affected.
During the meeting, Minister Paudel also raised concerns about the difficulties faced by Nepali workers in the Maldives in sending their earnings back home. In response, Minister Gasim pledged to coordinate with the Maldives Ministry of Finance to resolve the issue.
The Nepalese government is making policy and structural preparations to attract students from the Maldives. Earlier discussions on this matter were held between officials of both countries in Indonesia and Geneva. Minister Paudel has also formed a task force to provide suggestions on this issue.
According to Minister Paudel’s office, Nepal is preparing to make the necessary amendments to the draft sent by the Maldives and conclude the agreement shortly.
