Understanding GERD: When Heartburn Becomes a Medical Concern
Occasional heartburn is normal, but persistent acid reflux can damage your esophagus. Learn when to seek specialist care and what treatment options are available.
DM Gastroenterologist with 10+ years of specialized experience in Endoscopy, ERCP, EUS, Liver Disease Management, and advanced interventional GI procedures at Pokhara Gastro Liver Centre, Pokhara.

Dr. Shankar Baral
DM Gastroenterology · MBBS · MD
NMC Reg. #10280
Nepal Medical Council
397+
Academic Citations
Why Patients Trust Dr. Shankar Baral
A decade of specialized clinical practice, international research collaborations, and academic teaching — all in service of better patient outcomes.
Years Medical Experience
7+ years in Gastroenterology
Endoscopic Procedures
Upper GI, Colonoscopy, ERCP & EUS
Research Publications
Peer-reviewed international journals
Academic Citations
Incl. landmark HALT-IT Trial, The Lancet
DM Gastroenterology
National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), Bir Hospital
MD – Internal Medicine
Manipal College of Medical Sciences (K.U.)
MBBS
Manipal College of Medical Sciences (K.U.)
Advanced Training
Pokhara Gastro Liver Centre Pvt. Ltd.
Consultant Gastroenterologist
Pokhara
Gandaki Medical College
Associate Professor
2082/05/01 – Present
Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS)
Assistant Professor
2022 – Present
Nepal Manipal Teaching Hospital
Senior Consultant
Pokhara
Nepal Medical Council
Permanent Registration · NMC No. 10280

About Dr. Baral
Dr. Shankar Baral is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist currently serving as Assistant Professor at Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS) and Consultant at Pokhara Gastro Liver Centre Pvt. Ltd. He holds a DM in Gastroenterology from the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS, Bir Hospital), Kathmandu.
With 10+ years in the medical field and 7+ years specialized in gastroenterology, Dr. Baral performs a comprehensive range of interventional procedures — including ERCP, EUS, Fibroscan, Manometry, Achalasia Dilatation, and Metallic Stenting — developed through training at Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, and Dulikhel Hospital.
As a contributing investigator to the HALT-IT Trial published in The Lancet (2020), and with 8 peer-reviewed publications and 397+ academic citations, he brings internationally recognized research expertise to his daily clinical practice.
DM Gastroenterology — NAMS
Doctoral training at Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, with advanced ERCP and EUS at Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi.
HALT-IT International Trial
Contributing investigator for Nepal in the landmark Lancet study on tranexamic acid for GI bleeding.
Medical Educator
Assistant Professor at PAHS since 2022. Former lecturer at Gandaki Medical College.
Patient-Centered Care
Evidence-based, compassionate approach — from rural health camps to complex interventional endoscopy.
Specialist Skills
ERCP, EUS, Fibroscan, Manometry, Achalasia Dilatation, Metallic Stenting & Therapeutic Colonoscopy.
Clinical Services
From diagnostic endoscopy to EUS, ERCP, Fibroscan and Manometry — Dr. Baral provides the full spectrum of interventional gastroenterology and hepatology care.
High-definition diagnostic and therapeutic upper GI endoscopy for ulcers, GERD, bleeding, and esophageal conditions.
Complete colorectal examination for cancer screening, polyp removal, and IBD evaluation.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography for bile duct stones, strictures, and pancreatic duct disorders.
High-resolution ultrasound imaging from inside the GI tract for staging cancers and evaluating submucosal lesions.
Non-invasive liver elastography to assess liver fibrosis and steatosis without a biopsy.
Esophageal manometry to evaluate swallowing disorders, achalasia, and esophageal motility abnormalities.
Comprehensive evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic liver diseases from fatty liver to advanced cirrhosis.
Evidence-based antiviral therapy for Hepatitis B and C, including modern direct-acting antivirals.
Grade assessment and structured lifestyle-based management of NAFLD and NASH.
Ongoing care for cirrhosis including variceal surveillance, ascites management, and hepatic encephalopathy.
Systematic cancer screening and polypectomy with histological analysis for high-risk patients.
Urgent endoscopic diagnosis and hemostasis for upper and lower GI bleeding including variceal bleeding.
Conditions Treated
Dr. Baral diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of digestive and liver conditions — from common ailments to complex, rare diseases.
Chronic acid reflux causing heartburn, regurgitation, and esophageal complications.
Inflammation of the stomach lining, often from H. pylori or NSAIDs.
Open sores in the stomach or duodenum causing pain, bleeding, or perforation.
Functional bowel disorder with abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits.
Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis — chronic inflammatory conditions of the gut.
Fat accumulation in the liver, often related to metabolic syndrome and obesity.
Viral hepatitis infections that can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Advanced liver fibrosis with complications including ascites, varices, and encephalopathy.
Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas causing severe abdominal pain.
Gallstones causing pain, jaundice, and infection in gallbladder or bile ducts.
Growths in the colon that can progress to colorectal cancer if undetected.
Preventive screening and surveillance for early-stage colorectal malignancy.
Upper or lower GI bleeding requiring urgent endoscopic diagnosis and intervention.
Dysphagia from achalasia, strictures, or esophageal motility disorders.
Not sure if your condition is listed? Consult Dr. Baral for a comprehensive evaluation.
Advanced Procedures
Dr. Baral performs a comprehensive range of advanced endoscopic procedures with meticulous technique and patient safety as the foremost priority.
7 Advanced Procedures
Upper GI to Biliary
Trained at Sir Gangaram
New Delhi, India
1,000+ Endoscopies
Performed to date
Diagnostic & Therapeutic
High-definition endoscopy of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum — diagnosing ulcers, GERD, and treating bleeding or narrowing.
Colorectal Screening & Polypectomy
Complete large-intestine examination using a flexible camera — essential for cancer screening, polyp removal, and IBD evaluation.
Bile Duct & Pancreatic Intervention
Combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat bile duct stones, strictures, and pancreatic duct disorders — including stone removal and stent placement.
Endoscopic Polyp Removal
Removal of polyps during colonoscopy using snare cautery or cold forceps — critical for preventing progression to colorectal or gastric cancer.
Endoscopic Retrieval
Emergency endoscopic removal of swallowed objects or food impactions from the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum using specialized retrieval devices.
Esophageal Motility Treatment
Pneumatic balloon dilatation of the lower esophageal sphincter — treating achalasia, a swallowing disorder causing difficulty passing food into the stomach.
Self-Expanding Metal Stent Placement
Endoscopic placement of self-expanding metal stents in the esophagus, bile ducts, or colon to relieve obstructions from malignant or benign strictures.
Not sure which procedure you need? Schedule a consultation for expert guidance.
Research & Academia
From the wards of NAMS to the pages of The Lancet — Dr. Baral's research connects Pokhara to the global gastroenterology community.
Publications
Total Citations
Main Authorship
International Collaborations
An international randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in The Lancet (Vol. 395, Issue 10241, P1927–1936). Dr. Baral served as contributing investigator for Nepal — one of very few South Asian collaborators in this globally significant clinical trial. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30848-5
Journal
The Lancet (2020)
Role
Contributing Investigator
Study Type
International RCT
Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine
Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences
Nepal Journal of Epidemiology
JNMA — Journal of Nepal Medical Association
Journal of Nepal Health Research Council
Nepal Medical College Journal
Journal of Cancer Science & Therapy
View full publication list and ResearchGate profile
View on ResearchGatePatient Education
Evidence-based articles on digestive health, liver disease, and preventive care — written for patients, not textbooks.
Occasional heartburn is normal, but persistent acid reflux can damage your esophagus. Learn when to seek specialist care and what treatment options are available.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects 1 in 4 adults worldwide. Discover the risk factors, symptoms, and how lifestyle changes can reverse early-stage disease.
Colorectal cancer is almost entirely preventable with timely colonoscopy screening. Understand who should be screened, how often, and what to expect.
Many patients avoid colonoscopy out of fear or embarrassment. We answer the most common questions about preparation, the procedure itself, and recovery.
Your diet directly impacts your digestive health. Discover evidence-based dietary recommendations for common GI conditions from a gastroenterology specialist.
With modern antiviral therapy, Hepatitis C is now curable in over 95% of cases. Learn about testing, vaccination for Hepatitis B, and treatment breakthroughs.
More articles coming soon
Subscribe for patient education updates from Dr. Baral's practice.
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Baral holds active appointments at multiple hospitals and academic institutions across Pokhara, ensuring accessible, expert care across the region.
One of the leading medical colleges in Western Nepal, where Dr. Baral serves as Associate Professor since 2082/05/01.
Primary consultation and procedure centre. Dr. Baral sees patients and performs full range of endoscopic procedures. Newroad-Street No. 12, Pokhara. Phone: 061-590978 / 9856088019.
Academic and clinical engagement since 2022 at the region's premier health sciences institution.
Affiliated teaching hospital where Dr. Baral extends specialized gastroenterology care to a wider patient population.
Community Impact
Dr. Baral believes that a physician's responsibility extends beyond individual consultations. Through community health camps, public awareness programs, and medical education, he works to bring specialist-level digestive health knowledge to all people in western Nepal.
“Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Every person deserves access to accurate diagnosis and compassionate care.”
Regular health camps in underserved rural communities around Pokhara, providing free gastroenterology consultations.
500+ patients reached annuallyPublic education campaigns on liver disease prevention, colorectal cancer awareness, and hepatitis vaccination.
Thousands educated yearlyMentoring medical students and junior doctors at PAHS and Gandaki Medical College.
50+ doctors mentoredActive contributor promoting preventive healthcare, nutrition education, and accessible diagnostics.
Statewide health programsBook an Appointment
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shankar Baral. Our team will confirm your appointment within 24 hours.
Medical Emergency?
For urgent GI bleeding or severe abdominal pain, go directly to your nearest emergency department or call 061-590978.
Pokhara Gastro Liver Centre Pvt. Ltd.
Newroad-Street No. 12, Pokhara (opp. Mahanagarpalika)
061-5909789856088019Get in Touch
Reach Dr. Baral's practice directly. For appointments, call or use the booking form above. For general inquiries, email us.
Primary Location
Pokhara Gastro Liver Centre Pvt. Ltd.
Newroad-Street No. 12, Pokhara (opp. Mahanagarpalika)
Clinic OPD Hours
Sun–Fri: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM–1:00 PM