Roaming around Dharan and the BP Koirala institute of health sciences

I have spent more than four years in Dharan between 1998 and 2002. Ever since I left the city, I have always looked forward to visiting it again. This chance came to me after a gap of more than six years and I enjoyed the visit immensely. Though, I did not have enough time to roam around the entire city during my brief stay, I sought to revive my memories of Dharan as much as possible. This picturesque city offers a lot to the visitors of almost each category. The several educational institutions scattered around the city make it an important educational destination outside Kathmandu (the capital city of Nepal). On the other hand, numerous temples and other holy sites make the city a pilgrimage destination for the Hindus. Located at 1200 feet above the sea level in the eastern region of Nepal at the foothills of the Himalayas, Dharan is marked by its wide roads, planned and decorated houses along with the beautiful natural scenery.

Let me take you for a cyber tour of the Dharan's premier academic institution, the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) which takes pride in being developed as a center of excellence in a fairly short time. Established on a 700-acre estate as a symbol of Indo-Nepal cooperation, BPKIHS (popularly known as Ghopa camp) is one of the major medical institutions outside the Kathmandu valley. Indian doctors frequently visit there for short-term as well as long-term assignments for providing clinical care as well as training the young Nepalese health professionals for the country. Of late, BPKIHS has managed to attract students and teachers from all over the world thanks to its growing reputation as a medical institution of the international standards.

B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), established in 1993, upgraded to a University in 1998, is an autonomous Health Sciences University. It is the single largest project implemented through Indo-Nepal co-operation. It has a 700-bed hospital with ultra- modern 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. BPKIHS has the highest number of national and expatriate doctors and nurses outside Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. (source)

(The main entrance to BPKIHS)

(The Emergency department: BPKIHS)

(The administration: BPKIHS)

(The ward complex: BPKIHS)

(The lecture theaters: BPKIHS)

(The dental college complex: BPKIHS)

(The specialty ward complex: BPKIHS)

(The office of the Vice-Chancellor: BPKIHS)

(The student hostel: BPKIHS)

(The residential buildings: BPKIHS)

(The play ground: BPKIHS)

BPKIHS has several recreational facilities inside its campus like an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool complex and several play grounds. The Nirvana Country Club is situated inside the BPKIHS area encircled with 18-hole golf course. As the name suggests, it offers a very peaceful and quite atmosphere to stay.

(A beautiful view from the BPKIHS)

Quite a number of new constructions had come up in last few years. However, it was good to note that the greenery was still intact making the area beautiful and pollution-free. I hope you have enjoyed the cyber tour of the BPKIHS as much as I have during my brief stay there. Before I stop, I must thank my brother Dr. Harendra Kumar Jha for finding some time from his busy schedule and taking the photographs for this post.