The department is engaged in imparting systematic knowledge of the Rational use of Drugs in various human diseases and health issues, with the aim of training the undergraduate students for:

(a) their future role in the health teams serving the community, and
(b) for the successful achievement of the goals as laid down by the Kathmandu

University in the curriculum for the MBBS degree (as reflected in their assessed in the university examinations).

The department is currently staffed with seven dedicated full-time faculty members, representing a blend of experience (of more than 40 years) and youth hailing from different parts of India.

A. Teaching-Learning Process:

Several teaching-learning strategies are employed to impart the pharmacology knowledge.

Theory Lectures using overhead and multimedia projection form the backbone of the academic activities. Small group reinforcement learning activities include the following –

• PBL (Problem based learning) involves the analysis of therapeutic options used in a given clinical situation and understanding the rationale of their use, the problems encountered and their management principles
• Prescribing (Prescription Writing) for common clinical problems provides opportunity for writing a rational prescription order in a proper way, using appropriate drugs based on the W.H.O.’s Essential Drugs Concept;
• Irrationalities in Prescribing are studied by identifying the errors in prescriptions created arbitrarily as well as in those obtained from real life situations, and thereafter by providing the correct options for the same;
• Spotters on the drug samples focus on the identification of drugs by their generic names, and a quick retrieval of their key pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and therapeutic aspects;
• Assessment-oriented Tutorial sessions are conducted in small groups of 12-15 students on pre-announced important topics, ending up in awarding scores on their performance in each topic, thus providing them the opportunity of learning in a small group from the strengths and weaknesses of each member of the group;
• Reorientation of / Innovations in teaching-learning activities are regularly undertaken in view of the needs of system-based integrated curriculum and the advances in the pharmacology knowledge. The Faculty members are encouraged to improvise and innovate academic activities with the aim to optimize the student learning. Students’ feedback is also used for identifying the needs of modification, upgradation and innovations in teaching-learning activities.

B. Computer-simulations:

Computer-simulations based on the former animal experiments are being introduced in small groups for visual reinforcement of the facts learnt in the theory teaching-learning sessions.

C. Pharmacology Museum:

The museum showcasing drug samples, charts and models is under constant upgradation. A section on History of Pharmacology has recently been created which depicts, in pictorial and text materials from the web sources, important landmarks in the evolution of the discipline of pharmacology, and this section is being continuously upgraded.

D. Publication & Research activities:

Department publishes a quarterly Drug Information Bulletin which is circulated at the National and International level. The bulletin showcases updates on Drugs, Current Concepts, Drug Interactions, Adverse Drug Reactions, etc. The department has been very deeply involved in the publication of Journal of College of Medical Sciences – Nepal for the last three years.

The departmental faculty members are encouraged to undertake research and publication activities. Pharmaco-vigilance is one of the areas of current interest.

E. Therapeutic consultations:

Therapeutic consultations are provided to clinicians from time to time on drug-related issues encountered by them.

F. Postgraduate courses:

The Department is gearing up for the postgraduate courses in Pharmacology which are expected to start in near future.

• Problem based learning (PBL)
• Amendments to teaching based on coordination with other subjects
• Clinical pharmacology publishes a quarterly Drug Information Bulletin
• Circulation of the bulletin is at a National & International level
• Drug updates, current concepts, Drug interactions are showcased
• Research activities & publication are encouraged