Dr KC launches 9th hunger strike

Published On: September 26, 2016 08:35 PM NPT By: Republica  | @RepublicaNepal


KATHMANDU, Sept 26: Dr Govinda KC began his ninth fast-unto-death from Monday, demanding that the proposed medical education bill be passed by the ongoing session of parliament. 

Dr KC started the hunger strike, claiming that the government has failed to honor its word to address his demands. He put forth a four-point memo Monday announcing his hunger strike.

Dr KC, a senior professor at the Institute of Medicine (IoM), warned that he would continue the strike if the government failed to implement his demands for reform in medical education. He gave an ultimatum to the government which was to expire on September 18, but extended it till 4 pm Monday.

Dr KC and the government had reached a three-point agreement eight weeks ago and he had postponed a hunger strike then. The government had expressed commitment to implementing the three agreed points.

Dr KC has now said that the government did not meet his demands within the given time as it was under the influence of the so-called medical mafia.

Organizing a press conference Monday, he said he would not withdraw his strike this time until the government addresses his demands through action. “The proposed bill should be approved by the ongoing session of parliament. Otherwise, the mafia can foil it,” he added.

About eight weeks ago Dr KC called off his hunger strike after 16 days  following a four-point agreement signed between himself and the government. The four-point memo issued Monday includes implementation of past agreements, passage of the medical education bill by parliament in this session, initiation of the process of impeaching Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority chief Lokman Singh Karki, and implementation of the fee structure proposed by the Mathema Commission.

In the course of his crusade for reform in medical education, Dr KC has already gone on a fast-unto-death eight times in the last four years.

Dr KC is also a senior orthopedic surgeon at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) at Maharajgunj. 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, when he was not in power, had assured Dr KC that he would take steps to implement past agreements.


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