Third Annual MeLeSoN Forensic Quiz Successfully Concludes with Nationwide Participation at Nepal Manipal Medical College, Pokhara

The third edition of the Medical Legal Society of Nepal MeLeSoN Forensic Quiz concluded on 28 march 2025 with resounding success at Nepal Manipal Medical College, Pokhara, marking a significant milestone in advancing forensic medicine education among Nepal’s medical community. Hosted by Nepal Manipal Medical College, the MeLeSoN quiz brought together 40 teams, each comprising three dedicated medical students representing 14 esteemed medical colleges across the country.

Participants with organizers and guests after the screening round at Nepal Manipal Medical College, Pokhara

The event was graced by Kaski District Police Chief, Superintendent of Police Shyam Babu Oliya, who served as the chief guest. Prof. Dr. Shree Krishna Shrestha, Dean of the Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences (PoAHS), attended as the special guest. Other distinguished guests included Mr. Anil Oduvil, CEO of Manipal Teaching Hospital, and Dr. Abhishek Maskey, Hospital Director of Manipal Teaching Hospital.

The event was designed to challenge participants with a range of forensic medicine topics, spanning from forensic pathology, toxicology, and legal medicine to the practical applications of forensic principles in real-life clinical and judicial scenarios. The rigorous quiz format required students to critically analyze forensic evidence, interpret autopsy reports, and address complex ethical dilemmas that frequently arise at the intersection of medicine and law.

A notable feature of the quiz was its emphasis on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. Questions were meticulously curated by a panel of experts, ensuring that the challenges were both relevant and reflective of current trends in forensic medicine. This approach not only tested the depth of the students’ knowledge but also honed their analytical skills—preparing them for future roles where precision and critical thinking are essential.

Dr. Sudhir Raman Parajuli, the organizing secretary, delivered a warm welcome address to kick off the proceedings. In his role as MeLeSoN president and organizing chairperson, Dr. Nuwadatta Subedi expressed pride in the event’s success, stating, “The MeLeSoN Forensic Quiz is more than a competition. It is a valuable educational tool designed to deepen the understanding of forensic medicine among future healthcare professionals. Our goal is to stimulate interest and foster a robust learning environment that bridges the gap between academic theory and practical application.” This sentiment resonated with the participants, many of whom expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to expand their forensic expertise through this challenging academic exercise.Delegates and organizers after the opening session at Nepal Manipal Medical College, Pokhara

The quiz was attended by distinguished MeLeSoN members including Dr. Alok Atreya, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Dr. Neelu Hirachan, Dr. Srijana Kunwar, and Dr. Biplab Manandhar, who served as jury members and quiz masters, bringing their forensic expertise to ensure the highest standards of evaluation.

Forty teams competed through several rounds to determine the winner and runners-up. MBBS students Kshitiz Buddha, Siddhartha Karna, and Asim Shrestha, representing Maharajgunj Medical Campus in Kathmandu, were declared the winners. Shishir Gaire, Achyoot Sharan Koirala, and Shushil Timalsina from the College of Medical Sciences in Bharatpur secured the first runner-up position, while Sangharsha Lamichhane, Puspa Banstola, and Afaq Raza from Gandaki Medical College emerged as the second runner-up.

This event builds on the foundation laid by previous editions, with the second MeLeSoN Forensic Quiz having been successfully hosted at Lumbini Medical College, Palpa. The annual quiz is part of MeLeSoN’s broader strategy to elevate the role of forensic medicine within medical curricula across Nepal. By creating a competitive yet collegial atmosphere, the event has provided a platform for inter-collegiate exchange, encouraging participants to share insights and develop a more comprehensive understanding of forensic practices. In doing so, the quiz highlights the indispensable role of forensic medicine not only in clinical settings but also in supporting the justice system.

The success of this third edition sets a promising precedent for future events. Organizers are already planning subsequent editions with the aim of making the quiz an annual highlight on the academic calendar. These future events are expected to incorporate even more interdisciplinary content, integrating legal studies, ethics, and advanced forensic methodologies to keep pace with the evolving landscape of medical science.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by co-organizing secretary Dr. Devendra Man Palikhe, who acknowledged the contributions of all participants, organizers, and guests in making the quiz a remarkable success.

Winners of the quiz from Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Kathmandu

First runner-up team from College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur.

Second runner-up team from Gandaki Medical College with their faculty advisors

In summary, the third MeLeSoN Forensic Quiz has not only celebrated academic excellence among Nepal’s medical students but has also reinforced the critical importance of forensic medicine in both healthcare and legal sectors. As the event continues to rotate among Nepal’s medical institutions, it is poised to inspire a new generation of professionals who are well-equipped to handle the multifaceted challenges of modern forensic practice.


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