Need of LGBTQ+ Curriculum in Nepalese Medical Education

Abstract

The need for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in medical education and their active enrollment in healthcare delivery is evident in Nepal due to ongoing healthcare disparities. These inequities, resulting from barriers in access, discrimination, and provider bias, demand an immediate action. To address these issues effectively, a deliberate shift in medical education is crucial. This involves making LGBTQ+ content a compulsory part of the curriculum, providing comprehensive instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, and training students to create inclusive, respectful healthcare settings. This transformation aims to ensure equitable, respectful, and dignified care for LGBTQ+ patients, underlining the pivotal role of faculty development and training. By integrating LGBTQ+ health topics into the curriculum and promoting a culture of inclusivity, medical schools and institutions can produce healthcare providers who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and culturally competent in their practice.