Kathmandu— Nepal and the Maldives are close to signing an agreement that will allow Maldivian students to pursue medical education in Nepal.

Health Minister Pradip Paudel shared the update after a meeting with Maldivian Deputy Health Minister Ahmed Gasim in Bangkok, where both leaders were attending a UN conference. According to Minister Paudel, the draft sent by the Maldivian side has been positively received, and discussions are now in the final stages.

Minister Paudel emphasized that a separate quota will be maintained for Maldivian students in both MBBS and postgraduate (MD/MS) programs so that Nepali students are not affected.

“We’re working on it; the draft is in the final stage, and things are moving in a positive direction,” he said during the meeting.

The conversation was also about the growing number of Nepalese working in the Maldives. Minister Paudel raised concerns that many are struggling to send money home. In response, Minister Gasim said the Maldivian government would coordinate with their finance ministry to find a solution.

This agreement follows earlier discussions between the two countries, including meetings in Indonesia and Geneva. The Nepali government has already formed a task force to study how to bring in foreign medical students without disrupting the existing system.

The Health Ministry has confirmed that the draft received from the Maldivian side is being reviewed with a few adjustments before final signing.