The microbiology journey
has evolved from staining in the 1970s to molecular-level genome sequencing in
2026. In the midst of a global health crisis and an era when industry sectors
are blooming, the microbiologist in Nepal still faces a paradox. Till today,
they remain entangled in a web of bureaucratic hurdles and licensing conflicts
as "silent guardians" of public health and food safety. Currently,
the microbiologist's professional perspective is seen as experiencing surging
demand but curtailment due to the system-level constraints of the Nepalese
government. Microbiology students do meet Nepal’s academic qualifications, but
its legal system hits a ceiling, preventing microbiology from gaining momentum.
With no other option but a constant wait for change in the country, many
graduates are turning to the international roadmap, leading them to work in
high-end private labs or research institutions abroad, while Nepal clings to
bygone laws even in this current generation. In Nepal, limited access to advanced
technology, insufficient funding for research, inadequate support for
professional development, and the absence of legal terms are also the obstacles
that hinder microbiolgist’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the field and
advance their careers locally.
The beginning
In 1978, the Bachelor of
Science (B.Sc.) in Microbiology was first introduced at Tri-Chandra Multiple
Campus. It was seen as a "pure science" focused on learning and basic
research. On November 14, 1990, a pivotal event transpired with the institutionalization
of the Central Department of Microbiology at Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur.
The first M.Sc. batch consisted of just 14 students.
NHPC Act of 1996: The
Great Schism
To establish the
foundation for today’s occupational context, the NHPC (Nepal Health
Professional Council) Act of 2053 BS was founded to register health
professionals (such as laboratory technicians and radiologists) to improve the
quality of healthcare. A legal wall was fabricated, considering the fact that
Microbiology is housed under the Institute of Science and Technology (IoST)
rather than the Institute of Medicine (IoM).
Master’s
in microbiology graduates were earlier (in 2068 BS) granted the license.
According to an article published on the edusanjal website, Shravan Kumar
Mishra, the former Chairman of NHPC, unilaterally denied the license to medical
microbiologists as per amended NHPC rules in 2069 BS. These rules created a
barrier for many microbiology students as they are now ineligible to obtain
licenses from the council.
The Industrial Boom and
the Gap in "Food Law"
In the early 2000s,
Nepal's food and pharmaceutical industries were skyrocketing. In a country with
a large food and beverage industry, food safety is the primary defense against
foodborne outbreaks. However, a lack of legal recognition for food microbiologists
played a major role. There is no dedicated Food Microbiology Council in Nepal.
The Food Act of 1966 and the Food Rules established in 1970 mention only the
Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) and "Food
Technologists." The Public Service Commission often employs food
microbiologists by allowing them to take the "Food Technologists"
course exam, since microbiologists do not have a legally recognized
professional designation.
In spite of the current
enactment of the Food Hygiene and Quality Act 2081, legal validation of Food
Microbiologists is lacking. The ratification stipulates that various food
products must fulfill "Microbiological Safety" standards, yet
it does not specify that a Food Microbiologist must be responsible for the
certification. This often results in generic food technologists being assigned
to positions that require specialized knowledge of microbiology. Looking into the
scenario, perhaps food microbiologists are the most unheeded. Food
microbiologists as a professional class are not yet recognized by the country’s
law. This lack of recognition impedes the development of technologically
advanced food safety practices and curtails the ability to address
intricated microbiological challenges. Devoid of formal acknowledgment, food
microbiologists grapple to secure roles that align with their proficiency,
leading to a compromise of public health and food quality standards in Nepal.
Economic Necessity for the
Export Market
The main reason for
Nepal's primary non-tariff barrier in its "burgeoning" export market
(ginger, churpi, cardamom, tea, and honey) is Microbiological Safety. EU and
other countries' standards for exports now require rigorous testing for Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria spp.,
and mycotoxins. The lab reports on these shipments are often rejected without a
signature from a "Food Microbiologist”; therefore, certain food
industries has commencedon hiring food microbiologists. Currently, there are
usually a few accredited food testing labs in Nepal, with the extravagant cost
of such testing. It has now become an economic imperative to recognize local
Food Microbiologists to reduce export costs and improve "Ease of Doing
Business."
Turning resistance into
progress
The Microbiologist
Struggle Committee was formed in response to frustration with being
"essential yet unrecognized," so in 2017, in protest, through
petitions and by staging sit-ins and filing lawsuits against NHPC, graduates
called for the right to take licensing exams. The COVID-19 pandemic has
highlighted the essential role of microbiologists, but post-pandemic policy has
failed to bridge the licensing gap. As of today, the 18th Licensing Examination
is on its way, yet thousands of TU microbiology graduates remain in
"Jurisdictional limbo." They have the prerequisite qualifications,
and the pandemic has proven they are capable, but a 1996 law limits them.
Essential, but must
evolve.
In Nepal, microbiologists
are in the midst of a transition. The private sector and international research
community are reconfiguring rapidly, unlike government and council systems,
which may be sluggish to acknowledge the title officially. Currently enrolled
students have a clear strategy: Diversify. They arm themselves with
molecular diagnostics, ISO 17025 certification, and food safety management
systems (HACCP) in addition to a clinical license.
A Forward-Looking
Framework
1.
Policy
Initiative: Formation of the ‘Microbiology Council.’
The long-term proposition
is to establish a maverick Nepal Microbiology Council. It would work
similarly to the Nepal Nursing Council and Nepal Pharmacy Council by regulating
microbiology education and practices across all sectors - Clinical, public
health, Industrial, and Food.
2.
The
Law enhancement
A 6-month intensive
program focused on Clinical Pathology and Hematology in a hospital has been
developed by Tribhuvan University for the fourth-semester medical microbiology
master's students. Upon completion, these graduates should be eligible for the NHPC
licensing exam if the existing Statutory is modified according to the current
situation.
3.
The
Industrial Recognition: Food & Pharma Licensing
In the wake of the Food Hygiene and Quality Act 2081 (2024), there is a growing need to recognize non-clinical microbiologists. A "Food Microbiologist" has become an economic desideratum for Nepal's burgeoning export market. The enforcement of these standards is crucial for mitigating the substantial burden on export and import food businesses and on foodborne illnesses.
