Registering a hospital, polyclinic, clinic, diagnostic lab, or pharmacy in Nepal is a regulated process that requires approval from multiple government authorities, licensed medical professionals, and strict infrastructure compliance. Many entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals face delays or rejections simply because they are unaware of the correct registration steps, required documents, or approving bodies. In this step-by-step guide by Company Khata, we clearly explain the hospital registration process in Nepal, along with the exact procedures for polyclinic, clinic, laboratory, and pharmacy registration, so you can complete your registration legally, efficiently, and without unnecessary complications.
Hospital vs Clinic vs Polyclinic
Entity | Key Difference |
Clinic | OPD only, no admission |
Polyclinic | Multi-specialty OPD + diagnostics |
Hospital | Admission, beds, OT, 24-hour service |
Hospital Registration Process in Nepal: Step-by-Step Guide
Starting a hospital in Nepal requires multi-level approval, strict infrastructure compliance, and licensed medical staffing.
Step 1: Company Registration
Register a Private Limited Company at:
- Office of Company Registrar (OCR)
- PAN/VAT registration
- Ward & Municipality registration
Step 2: Infrastructure & Building Approval
Prepare:
- Land ownership or rent deed
- Approved building layout
- Parking, emergency access, waste zone
Approval from:
- Local Municipality
- Urban planning / engineering section
Step 3: Apply for Health License
Submit application to:
- Provincial Health Directorate (for small hospitals)
- DoHS / MoHP (for 50+ beds, teaching, specialty hospitals)
Documents:
- Equipment list
- Doctor & nurse roster
- OT / ICU / emergency layout
- Biomedical waste agreement
Clinic & Polyclinic Registration in Nepal: Step-by-Step Guide
Clinics and polyclinics differ mainly by service scope, not just size.
Step 1: Company Registration
Register a Private Limited Company at:
- Office of Company Registrar (OCR)
- PAN/VAT registration
- Ward & Municipality registration
Step 2: Minimum Staffing Requirement
- 1 Doctor (Registered with Nepal Medical Council)
- 1 Staff Nurse
- 1 CMA / HA
- Pharmacist (if dispensing medicines)
Step 3: Apply to Provincial Health Directorate
Documents required:
- Floor plan
- Staff certificates
- Waste management plan
- Fire safety & infection control measures
Special Permissions (If Applicable)
Service | Extra Approval |
Pathology lab | Provincial Health Office / NPHL |
X-ray / CT | NAERA |
Minor OT | Provincial inspection |
Diagnostic Laboratory Registration in Nepal
Step 1: Company Registration
Register a Private Limited Company at:
- Office of Company Registrar (OCR)
- PAN/VAT registration
- Ward & Municipality registration
Step 2: Technical Staffing
Mandatory:
- Lab Technologist (Registered with Nepal Health Professional Council)
Step 3: Apply for License
Submit to:
- Provincial Health Directorate
Documents:
- Equipment list
- Biosafety compliance
- Waste disposal agreement
- Floor layout
Pharmacy Registration Process in Nepal
Step 1: Business Registration
- Company / Proprietorship
- PAN & Municipality registration
Step 2: Pharmacist Appointment
Mandatory:
- Licensed Pharmacist or Assistant Pharmacist
- Registered with Nepal Pharmacy Council
• Step 3: Apply to DDA (Department of Drug Administration)
Submit:
- Appointment letter
- Pharmacist certificates
- Shop layout
- Storage & temperature control plan
Final Advice
✔ Always confirm local municipality rules
✔ Never operate before license
✔ Renew licenses on time
✔ Keep staff certificates valid