Nepal Medical Council Suspends 14 Foreign Doctors Over Questionable Certificates

Nepal's Medical Council (NMC) has halted the registration process for 14 foreign doctors after discovering irregularities in their submitted documents, specifically concerning "good standing certificates." These certificates are crucial for verifying a doctor's registration and eligibility to practice in their home country.

The NMC became suspicious during the routine scrutiny of documents submitted by newly arrived foreign faculty members. Acting Registrar Dr. Dipendra Pandey stated that certain aspects of the submitted certificates appeared questionable, leading to an internal investigation. The council then sought external verification from Indian regulatory authorities regarding certificates presented by doctors claiming Indian credentials.

Concerns escalated when the Indian regulatory authority informed the NMC that it had not issued the certificates in question. Dr. Pandey clarified that while this doesn't automatically imply the doctors are unregistered in India, the specific "good standing certificates" submitted for registration in Nepal may have been fabricated. The NMC has suspended the registration of these 14 doctors pending further investigation.

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We reviewed the certificates and other documents submitted by the doctors for registration. Some aspects appeared suspicious, prompting us to conduct a further internal investigation.

The council is also demanding written explanations from medical institutions and hospitals that recommended these doctors without adequately verifying their credentials. These institutions might be required to present the doctors for identity and document verification.

This discovery has prompted the NMC to broaden its investigation. A five-member committee has been formed to examine the status, employment, and professional activities of approximately 500 foreign doctors currently working in Nepal, many of whom serve as faculty at medical colleges. The committee will review their academic qualifications, professional registration, and good standing certificates.

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We suspended the registration process after receiving a response that the certificates had not been issued by the concerned council.