KATHMANDU: Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital's veteran orthopaedic surgeon Dr Govinda KC on Monday warned that he would stage a fast-unto-death for the eighth time from February 29 if his demands were not met by then.

The doctor earlier had announced to begin the hunger strike today, but now extended the ultimatum saying positive initiatives were being taken to fulfill his demands.

On January 25, he had deferred the agitation till February 7 after some civil society leaders urged him to do so.

"Leaders of campaign supporting me have requested to provide some more time to the government as positive steps are being taken toward addressing our demands," he said in a statement this evening, "Considering the request, I have postponed the fast-unto-death, which I had announced to begin today, for three weeks."

According to the veteran surgeon, he would not budge from his stance until the government did not withdraw a bill, currently under discussion at the House, about the Man Mohan Health Science Academy.