Finding the right gastroenterologist in Kathmandu can be important when you are dealing with ongoing stomach problems, liver conditions, digestive disorders, gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatic conditions, or symptoms that require specialist care. Kathmandu has several experienced gastroenterologists working at government, teaching, and private hospitals.
Directory Overview & Key Parameters
- Specialists Evaluated: 10 Institutional Gastroenterologists
- Institutional Centers: Bir Hospital, Om Hospital, Green City, KNMC
- Primary Diagnostic Procedures: Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, ERCP, FibroScan
- Key Subspecialties: Hepatology, Pancreatology, Luminal & Interventional Endoscopy
Selection Methodology & Public Verification
Choosing a doctor is not as simple as looking at ratings or popularity. A doctor's area of expertise, qualifications, hospital facilities, availability, and the specific condition being treated can all matter.
For this list, the doctors have been selected based primarily on publicly available and verifiable information from official hospital and institutional sources. The order should not be interpreted as a medical judgment that one doctor is universally better than another. Different specialists may be more suitable for different conditions and patient needs.
Bir Hospital's Gastroenterology Department, for example, lists specialists working across areas such as digestive disorders, gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatic diseases, GI malignancies, endoscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, and other interventions. The department currently lists several senior and consultant gastroenterologists. Here are 10 gastroenterologists in Kathmandu who are publicly listed through official hospital or institutional sources.
1. Prof. Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Basnet
Prof. Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Basnet is listed by Bir Hospital as a Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist in its Gastroenterology Department. He is also listed among the faculty members of the department, which provides specialist services for a wide range of digestive and gastrointestinal conditions.
Bir Hospital's department performs procedures including endoscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, transient elastography, and other diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Hospital Affiliation: Bir Hospital (National Academy of Medical Sciences - NAMS)
Best suited for: Patients looking for consultation within a major government and teaching hospital gastroenterology department.
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ajit Khanal
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ajit Khanal is listed as the Head of Department of Gastroenterology at Bir Hospital. He is also listed by Green City Hospital as a gastroenterology and hepatobiliary specialist with qualifications including MBBS, MD in Internal Medicine, and DM in Gastroenterology.
His public hospital affiliations make him one of the specialists with verifiable institutional information available online across both premier public academia and private specialized setups.
Hospital Affiliations: Bir Hospital and Green City Hospital
Best suited for: Digestive and hepatobiliary conditions requiring specialist gastroenterology consultation.
3. Prof. Dr. Ramila Shrestha
Prof. Dr. Ramila Shrestha is listed among the faculty of Bir Hospital's Gastroenterology Department and is included in the department's Unit III specialist roster.
The department provides care for common and complex gastrointestinal conditions and performs several diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, assisting both inpatient admissions and high-volume outpatient referrals.
Hospital Affiliation: Bir Hospital
Best suited for: Patients seeking gastroenterology care through a major government hospital and specialist department.
4. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mukesh Sharma Poudel
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mukesh Sharma Poudel is listed by Bir Hospital as a Chief Consultant Gastroenterologist. He is also listed among the department's faculty and specialist roster.
His role within the Gastroenterology Department makes him a notable specialist for patients looking for consultation and interventional endoscopic evaluations at Bir Hospital.
Hospital Affiliation: Bir Hospital
Best suited for: Specialist consultation for gastrointestinal and digestive system conditions.
5. Prof. Dr. Rahul Pathak
Prof. Dr. Rahul Pathak is listed by Om Hospital and Research Center as a Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist. His official doctor profile also lists his Nepal Medical Council registration number and published consultation schedule.
Om Hospital's Gastroenterology Department lists him among its specialist team alongside another senior consultant gastroenterologist, supporting comprehensive inpatient and outpatient diagnostic gastrointestinal suites.
Hospital Affiliation: Om Hospital and Research Center (Chabahil)
Best suited for: Patients looking for a senior consultant gastroenterologist at a private hospital in Chabahil.
6. Dr. Deepak Raj Pandey
Dr. Deepak Raj Pandey is listed as a Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist at Om Hospital and Research Center. His official hospital profile includes his Nepal Medical Council registration number and published consultation schedule.
He is also listed as one of the key specialists in Om Hospital's Gastroenterology Department, diagnosing luminal, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic disorders.
Hospital Affiliation: Om Hospital and Research Center
Best suited for: Patients seeking gastroenterology consultation at a private multispecialty hospital.
7. Prof. Dr. Manoj Kumar Shah
Prof. Dr. Manoj Kumar Shah is listed as a faculty member of Bir Hospital's Gastroenterology Department. The official department roster places him in Unit II, where specialist services are provided on designated OPD and procedure schedules.
As with other specialists at Bir Hospital, patients should check the latest roster or contact the hospital before visiting because schedules can change.
Hospital Affiliation: Bir Hospital
Best suited for: Gastroenterology consultation through Bir Hospital's specialist department.
8. Assist. Prof. Dr. Nandu Silwal Poudyal
Assist. Prof. Dr. Nandu Silwal Poudyal is listed among the faculty members of Bir Hospital's Gastroenterology Department and is included in the Unit I roster.
The department handles a wide range of digestive and gastrointestinal conditions and provides both outpatient consultation and advanced endoscopic services for patients across Nepal.
Hospital Affiliation: Bir Hospital
Best suited for: Patients looking for specialist gastroenterology consultation within a government teaching hospital.
9. Assist. Prof. Dr. Bishnu Shrestha
Assist. Prof. Dr. Bishnu Shrestha is listed on the official Bir Hospital website as a Gastroenterologist in the Gastroenterology Department. He is also included in the department's Unit III roster.
Bir Hospital provides services for conditions involving the digestive system, including upper and lower gastrointestinal disorders, pancreatic diseases, gastrointestinal bleeding, and other related conditions.
Hospital Affiliation: Bir Hospital
Best suited for: Patients seeking consultation through Bir Hospital's Gastroenterology Department.
10. Dr. Dibas Khadka
Dr. Dibas Khadka is listed as a gastroenterology specialist at Green City Hospital, where his qualifications are shown as MBBS, MD, and DM in Gastroenterology. He is also listed among the faculty and Unit II roster of Bir Hospital's Gastroenterology Department.
His public affiliations with more than one major healthcare institution provide patients with options depending on appointment availability, location, and timing.
Hospital Affiliations: Green City Hospital and Bir Hospital
Best suited for: Patients looking for a gastroenterology specialist with publicly listed qualifications and hospital affiliations.
Specialist Comparison Matrix
The following table provides an overview of the 10 publicly listed gastroenterologists in Kathmandu, summarizing their primary hospital affiliations, institutional designations, and principal clinical scope:
| Doctor Name | Hospital Affiliation | Designation / Unit | Key Areas of Practice | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof. Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Basnet | Bir Hospital (NAMS) | Senior Consultant & Faculty | Digestive disorders, ERCP, therapeutic endoscopy | Major government hospital specialist care |
| Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ajit Khanal | Bir Hospital / Green City | Head of Department (Bir) / DM Gastro | Hepatobiliary disorders, luminal endoscopy | Hepatobiliary and complex GI conditions |
| Prof. Dr. Ramila Shrestha | Bir Hospital | Professor & Faculty (Unit III) | General gastroenterology, diagnostic endoscopy | Government teaching hospital care |
| Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mukesh Sharma Poudel | Bir Hospital | Chief Consultant Gastroenterologist | Gastrointestinal system diseases, clinical consultations | Comprehensive GI consultations at Bir |
| Prof. Dr. Rahul Pathak | Om Hospital & Research Center | Senior Consultant (NMC Registered) | Inpatient/outpatient endoscopy, luminal disorders | Private hospital consultation in Chabahil |
| Dr. Deepak Raj Pandey | Om Hospital & Research Center | Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist | Diagnostic endoscopy, colonoscopy, hepatic care | Multispecialty private hospital setup |
| Prof. Dr. Manoj Kumar Shah | Bir Hospital | Faculty Member (Unit II Roster) | Scheduled OPD clinic & procedure suites | Bir Hospital Unit II consultations |
| Assist. Prof. Dr. Nandu Silwal Poudyal | Bir Hospital | Faculty Member (Unit I Roster) | Digestive disorders, outpatient & endoscopic care | Teaching hospital Unit I consultations |
| Assist. Prof. Dr. Bishnu Shrestha | Bir Hospital | Gastroenterologist (Unit III Roster) | Upper & lower GI disorders, GI bleeding | GI bleeding & pancreatic consultations |
| Dr. Dibas Khadka | Green City / Bir Hospital | MBBS, MD, DM Gastroenterology | Diagnostic endoscopy, hepatology, Unit II services | Dual affiliation choice (private / public) |
How to Choose a Gastroenterologist in Kathmandu
The best gastroenterologist for one patient may not be the best choice for another. Before booking an appointment, consider the specific reason for your visit.
You may want to check:
- The doctor's specialty and qualifications: Degrees such as MD in Internal Medicine and DM in Gastroenterology signify specialized super-specialty training.
- Experience related to your condition: Hepatology for liver disorders, interventional endoscopy for polyps and bleeding, or pancreatology for chronic pancreatitis.
- Hospital or clinic affiliation: Major government centers (Bir Hospital), university teaching hospitals (KNMC, NAMS), or private centers (Om Hospital, Green City).
- Availability of endoscopy or other required procedures: Verify on-site suites for upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, or FibroScan.
- Location and appointment availability: Traffic convenience, OPD days, and token systems.
- Whether the hospital accepts your insurance: Government health insurance (Swasthya Bima) is widely accepted at Bir Hospital.
- Referral requirements, if any: Certain academic units require prior primary physician documentation.
- The latest OPD schedule: Check updated daily rosters before traveling.
For example, a patient with a complex liver condition may look for a doctor with relevant hepatology experience, while someone who needs an endoscopy or colonoscopy may also consider the facilities available at the hospital. It is also important to verify current appointment details directly with the hospital because doctor schedules and affiliations can change.
When Should You See a Gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist specializes in conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver.
Red-Flag Symptoms Requiring Specialist Evaluation
You should seek prompt specialist evaluation if you experience persistent or serious symptoms such as:
- Ongoing abdominal pain or cramping that does not resolve
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing
- Persistent heartburn, acid regurgitation, or GERD unresponsive to antacids
- Frequent unexplained vomiting or nausea
- Blood in vomit (hematemesis) or black, tarry stools (melena)
- Unexplained weight loss or severe loss of appetite
- Persistent diarrhea or chronic constipation lasting several weeks
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine)
- Known or suspected liver disease (fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis)
- Pancreatic conditions or recurrent acute pancreatitis
- Symptoms requiring diagnostic upper GI endoscopy or screening colonoscopy
Important Clinical Note: Serious or sudden symptoms—such as acute gastrointestinal bleeding, severe unremitting abdominal pain, or high fever with jaundice—should not be delayed simply to wait for a preferred doctor. Seek immediate medical emergency care based on the urgency of the situation.
Gastroenterology Diagnostic Services Available in Kathmandu
Major hospitals in Kathmandu provide a wide range of gastroenterology and hepatobiliary services. Bir Hospital's official Gastroenterology Department lists procedures including:
- Diagnostic Upper GI Endoscopy: Evaluation of ulcers, gastritis, reflux, and biopsies.
- Diagnostic & Screening Colonoscopy: Colorectal cancer screening, polyp identification, and tissue sampling.
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Specialized intervention for bile duct stones, biliary strictures, and stent placements.
- Endoscopic Variceal Ligation (EVL): Banding of bleeding esophageal varices in portal hypertension and cirrhosis.
- Gastrointestinal Stenting: Palliative and therapeutic stent placement for benign or malignant GI obstructions.
- Endoscopic Dilation Procedures: Balloon and bougie dilation for esophageal strictures and achalasia.
- Transient Elastography (FibroScan): Non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis and steatosis without liver biopsy.
- High-Resolution Manometry: Advanced diagnostic motility testing for swallowing disorders and esophageal motility.
Other hospitals, including Om Hospital, Green City Hospital, and Kathmandu National Medical College, offer private consultation suites, specialized day-care endoscopy lounges, and intensive care monitoring for complex gastrointestinal bleeding. Before choosing a hospital, confirm whether the required procedure or specialist service is currently available.
Why This List Is Not a Medical Ranking
A list of doctors can be useful, but it should not replace professional medical advice. Ranking doctors based only on online ratings can be misleading. Reviews may not reflect a doctor's expertise in a specific medical condition, and patients can have very different experiences depending on their health needs.
For that reason, this list focuses strictly on publicly verifiable information such as:
- Official hospital affiliation and institutional registry
- Listed professional designation and academic faculty appointments
- Published medical qualifications (MBBS, MD, DM Gastroenterology)
- Specialist department membership (Unit rosters, departmental leadership)
- Availability of official doctor profiles and Nepal Medical Council (NMC) registration
The order is intended as a starting point for patient research and should not be treated as a guarantee of medical outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best gastroenterologist in Kathmandu?
There is no single doctor who is objectively the best for every patient. The right specialist depends on the medical condition, required procedure, hospital facilities, doctor availability, and individual patient needs.
Which hospitals have gastroenterology services in Kathmandu?
Major hospitals with publicly listed gastroenterology services include Bir Hospital, Om Hospital and Research Center, Green City Hospital, and Kathmandu National Medical College and Teaching Hospital.
Do I need a referral to see a gastroenterologist?
Referral requirements can vary by hospital, insurance provider, and appointment system. Contact the hospital directly before booking.
What conditions does a gastroenterologist treat?
Gastroenterologists treat conditions involving the digestive system, including disorders of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Can a gastroenterologist perform an endoscopy?
Many gastroenterology departments provide endoscopy services. Bir Hospital's department, for example, officially lists endoscopy and several other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
How do I book an appointment with a gastroenterologist in Kathmandu?
The process depends on the hospital. Check the official hospital website or contact the hospital directly for the latest OPD schedule, appointment requirements, and availability.
Conclusion
Kathmandu has several experienced gastroenterologists working across government and private hospitals. Prof. Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Basnet, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ajit Khanal, Prof. Dr. Ramila Shrestha, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mukesh Sharma Poudel, Prof. Dr. Rahul Pathak, Dr. Deepak Raj Pandey, Prof. Dr. Manoj Kumar Shah, Assist. Prof. Dr. Nandu Silwal Poudyal, Assist. Prof. Dr. Bishnu Shrestha, and Dr. Dibas Khadka are among the specialists with publicly verifiable institutional listings.
The most important step is choosing a doctor and hospital based on your specific health concern rather than relying only on a numerical ranking. Check the latest credentials, hospital affiliation, OPD schedule, and available services before making an appointment.
