Hospital registration in Nepal is a legally mandatory process for any entity intending to provide medical, surgical, diagnostic, or inpatient healthcare services. Due to the sensitive nature of healthcare, hospitals are subject to strict regulatory scrutiny covering infrastructure, staffing, medical equipment, environmental safety, and patient rights.
This comprehensive guide explains how to register a hospital in Nepal, including applicable laws, step-by-step procedures, required documents, approvals, timelines, costs, and post-registration compliance obligations.
Hospital Registration in Nepal
Hospital registration is the formal legal process through which a healthcare institution obtains authorization from government authorities to operate medical services in Nepal. Without registration, operating a hospital or nursing home is illegal and punishable under public health laws.
Objectives of Hospital Registration
Hospital registration aims to:
- Ensure minimum healthcare quality standards
- Protect patient safety and rights
- Regulate medical and surgical practices
- Monitor infrastructure, staffing, and equipment
- Enable government supervision and accountability
Registration is mandatory for:
- Private hospitals
- Teaching hospitals
- Specialty hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Large healthcare institutions
Laws Governing Hospital Registration in Nepal
Hospital registration and operation are regulated under multiple national laws and sector-specific guidelines.
Primary Legal Framework
- Public Health Service Act, 2075 (2018)
- National Health Policy, 2076
- Local Government Operation Act, 2074
- Health Institution Operation & Regulation Guidelines
- Hospital Operation and Management Directives
- Nepal Medical Council Act
- Nepal Nursing Council Act
- Pharmacy Council & Laboratory Council Regulations
- National Building Code & Fire Safety Standards
- Environmental Protection Act & Biomedical Waste Guidelines
The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and local governments jointly regulate hospital licensing depending on hospital size and capacity.
Types of Hospitals Recognized Under Nepali Law
Hospitals are classified based on capacity, services, and specialization:
- General Hospital
- Specialty Hospital
- Teaching Hospital
- Nursing Home
- Private Hospital
- Multi-Specialty Hospital
- Trauma or Emergency Hospital
Each category has separate infrastructure, staffing, and equipment standards.
Step-by-Step Process for Hospital Registration in Nepal
Step 1: Register the Legal Entity
Hospitals must be registered as:
- Private Limited Company, or
- Non-profit organization (if applicable)
Registration is completed at the Office of Company Registrar (OCR).
Step 2: Obtain PAN/VAT & Local Registration
- PAN (mandatory)
- VAT (mandatory for hospitals)
- Ward/Municipality registration
- Business location approval
Step 3: Land, Building & Infrastructure Approval
Hospitals must ensure:
- Adequate land area as per hospital category
- Earthquake-resistant structure
- Fire safety system
- Emergency exits
- Backup electricity and water
- Accessibility for patients and disabled persons
Municipality approval and fire clearance are mandatory.
Step 4: Prepare Hospital Project Proposal
A detailed project proposal must include:
- Hospital category & bed capacity
- Services offered (OPD, IPD, ICU, OT)
- Medical equipment list
- Staffing plan
- Financial investment details
- Waste management system
- Emergency preparedness plan
Step 5: Apply to Health Authorities
Applications are submitted to:
- Department of Health Services (DoHS) or
- Provincial/District Health Office/Local Government, depending on hospital size
Step 6: Inspection & Evaluation
Authorities conduct physical inspection covering:
- Infrastructure
- Medical equipment
- Staff qualifications
- Waste management
- Infection control protocols
- Emergency services
Deficiencies must be corrected before approval.
Step 7: Hospital Registration Certificate Issuance
Upon compliance, the hospital receives:
- Hospital Operation License
- Registration number
- Approved service list
- Validity period (renewable annually)
Documents Required for Hospital Registration
Core Documents
- Company registration certificate
- MOA & AOA
- PAN/VAT certificate
- Citizenship & PAN of promoters
- Land ownership or lease deed
- Building completion certificate
- Fire safety clearance
- Environmental compliance documents
- Waste management plan
Medical & Staffing Documents
- Doctor registration (NMC)
- Nursing Council registration
- Pharmacist & lab staff licenses
- Staff appointment letters
- Equipment purchase invoices
Infrastructure & Equipment Requirements
Hospitals must have:
- OPD & IPD wards
- Emergency unit
- Operation theatres (if applicable)
- ICU/CCU (for larger hospitals)
- Diagnostic labs
- Pharmacy
- Sterilization units
- Oxygen and medical gas system
Equipment must meet national and international standards.
Staffing Requirements
Hospitals must employ:
- Registered medical doctors
- Specialist consultants (as required)
- Registered nurses
- Pharmacists
- Lab technologists
- Radiology technicians
- Administrative & support staff
Staff strength depends on bed capacity and services.
Waste Management & Environmental Compliance
Hospitals must comply with:
- Biomedical waste segregation
- Sharp waste disposal
- Chemical waste handling
- Environmental reporting
- Infection prevention protocols
Non-compliance attracts penalties or license cancellation.
Time & Cost for Hospital Registration in Nepal
Estimated Timeline
- 30 to 60 working days, depending on:
- Hospital size
- Infrastructure readiness
- Inspection outcomes
Post-Registration Compliance Obligations
After registration, hospitals must:
- Renew license annually
- Maintain patient records
- Conduct regular audits
- Report to health authorities
- Update changes in services or ownership
- Comply with inspections
Failure may result in suspension or closure.
Common Challenges in Hospital Registration
- Incomplete infrastructure
- Unqualified staff
- Weak waste management plan
- Fire safety non-compliance
- Improper documentation
- Delays in inspection approvals
Professional legal and regulatory guidance significantly reduces delays.
Conclusion
Hospital registration in Nepal is a complex but essential legal process designed to protect public health and ensure quality medical services. From company registration to infrastructure approval, staffing, inspections, and licensing, every step requires strict compliance with healthcare laws.
A properly registered hospital not only operates legally but also gains credibility, patient trust, and long-term sustainability in Nepal’s growing healthcare sector. Can take help from law firm in Nepal for completition of the process. mentioned above.