KATHMANDU: Minister for Health Gagan Thapa on Thursday urged Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital's senior orthopaedic surgeon Dr Govinda KC to end the fast-unto-death.

Organising a press conference at the Ministry today, Minister Thapa said, "I am the person who says the government must meet demands raised by Dr KC. I had extended support to him in previous strikes," Thapa said, "I am in a position to fulfil those demands now. All demands are being addressed."

Putting forth various demands related to reforms in Nepal's medical education sector, Dr KC has been staging the hunger strike, the ninth in past few years, for last 11 days.

Thapa said a National Medical Education Act had already been tabled at the Parliament in a bid to address Dr KC's concerns.

Meanwhile, doctors attending to Dr KC said the veteran surgeon's health was deteriorating. Dr Dibya Singh said he had problems in heart, urinary system and blood.

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Thapa's report card

The Health Minister at the press conference also presented a list of achievements in the first 40 days of his office.

He claimed he had initiated policy level reforms in Nepal's medical education sector.

Likewise, attempts have been made to improve supply and regularity of medicines, quality of drugs, operation of pharmacies at hospitals, performance contract with department heads of the Ministry, among others, according to Thapa.