House committee to seek Dr Govinda KC’s suggestions

Kathmandu, August 19

The Education and Health Committee of the House of Representatives is set to hold discussion on the National Medical Education Bill with Dr Govinda KC, senior orthopaedic surgeon at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

A meeting of the committee decided to seek Dr KC’s suggestions on the bill and invite him to attend its next meeting. The committee has also summoned educationist Kedar  Bhakta Mathema and officials of Nepal Medical Council to offer suggestions on the bill.

The government has signed a nine-point agreement with Dr KC after he staged his 15th hunger strike demanding reforms in medical education. One of his key demands was formulation of medical education bill in line with recommendations of the Mathema-led panel.

The House of Representatives can seek suggestions from various stakeholders in the process of drafting bills. The process has begun after lawmakers of ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and main opposition Nepal Congress separately registered amendment proposals on the bill on August 1.

Prior to this, Minister of Education, Science and Technology Giriraj Mani Pokharel in response to lawmakers’ queries during  theoretical discussion on the document had pledged to ensure access of students from marginalised communities to medical education through implementation of special provisions. “The bill will focus on improving the quality of medical education and health services,” Pokharel had said.

Taking part in the discussion on the bill, lawmaker Prem Suwal said the government should control the health and education sectors.

Similarly, committee member Rajan KC said the government should establish medical colleges and hospitals in all provinces.