Aspiring Public Health Officers (PHOs) in Nepal face a rigorous selection process organized by the Public Service Commission (PSC). To excel, it is essential to understand the syllabus, exam format, and preparation strategies. This blog post provides a detailed overview of the PHO exams based on the provided syllabus for the First Paper and Second Paper, offering candidates a clear roadmap for success.
Exam Structure and Weightage
First Paper
The First Paper focuses on foundational knowledge in public health, with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and subjective questions.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Health and Public Health (5%)
- Meaning and concepts of health, disease, and well-being.
- Public health history and evolving concepts.
- Health Planning and Management (20%)
- Strategic and operational planning, financial management, quality assurance, and decentralization in health systems.
- General Epidemiology (10%)
- Basics of epidemiology, disease prevention, and control.
- Health Statistics (5%)
- Data collection, analysis, and presentation methods.
- Demography (5%)
- Population trends, dynamics, and urbanization impacts.
- Applied Epidemiology and Disease Control (20%)
- Control and prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
- Food and Nutrition (5%)
- Nutritional assessment, problems, and food safety.
- Environmental Health (5%)
- Factors affecting water, air, waste management, and control of vectors like mosquitoes.
- Occupational Health (5%)
- Workplace safety and hazard management.
- Health Education and Promotion (10%)
- Behavior change communication, school health programs, and community participation.
- Primary Health Care and MDGs (5%)
- Concepts, components, and relevance of essential health care.
- International Health (5%)
- Roles of UN agencies, bilateral organizations, and external development partners.
Second Paper
The Second Paper evaluates candidates’ knowledge of national and district-level public health systems, policies, and regulations.
Key Sections:
- Health Policies and Issues (10%)
- National Health Policy, Second Long-Term Health Plan, and current Five-Year Plan.
- National Health Programs (30%)
- Family planning, safe motherhood, immunization, HIV/AIDS, and training programs.
- Public Health Program Management (20%)
- Focus on managing family planning, malaria, leprosy, nutrition, and education activities.
- Management Issues in Health Services (20%)
- Human resource management, supervision, evaluation, and indigenous health systems.
Exam Highlights
- First Paper Format:
- Multiple-choice questions: Conceptual and factual.
- Subjective questions: Problem-solving and critical analysis.
- Second Paper Format:
- Sections divided into objective and descriptive questions.
- Focus on case studies and applied knowledge.
- Group Test:
- Leadership and communication skills are assessed through group discussions and individual presentations.
Sample Questions
Here are examples of questions from the syllabus to help you understand the exam’s focus:
- MCQ:
- What is the tertiary level of disease prevention?
A) Health Promotion
B) Specific Protection
C) Early Diagnosis and Treatment
D) Disability Limitation
Answer: D
- What is the tertiary level of disease prevention?
- Descriptive:
- Discuss the objectives and strategies of the Second Long-Term Health Plan (1997-2017).
Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Break down the topics and allocate preparation time based on weightage.
- Review National Policies: Familiarize yourself with Nepal’s health policies, programs, and statistics.
- Practice MCQs: Regular practice improves accuracy and time management.
- Enhance Writing Skills: For descriptive answers, focus on structuring responses logically.
- Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions to build confidence.
- Engage in Discussions: Participate in group discussions to strengthen critical thinking and communication skills.
Don’t forget:
The PHO exams in Nepal are a gateway to a rewarding career in public health. By understanding the syllabus and dedicating time to structured preparation, candidates can excel in the exams and contribute to Nepal’s health sector.
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