DHANGADHI, JULY 23 Dr Govinda KC on Thursday began his 24th hunger strike in Dhangadhi, renewing his campaign for reforms in Nepal's medical education and public health sectors. Dr KC started the fast at the dharmashala of Krishna Temple in Dhangadhi, Kailali, saying the latest satyagraha aims to promote good governance and ensure reforms in the health sector. He said he would continue the protest even without public support. Accusing the government of failing to implement the National Medical Education Act, 2018 (2075 BS), Dr KC said the law envisions making medical education fully non-profit by 2028 (2085 BS), but successive governments have shown little commitment to enforcing its provisions. He also alleged that private medical, dental and nursing colleges lacking minimum standards and infrastructure continue to proliferate, while policy-making, implementation and appointments in public institutions remain under the influence of private medical operators. Dr KC has put forward a five-point charter of demands. His first demand calls for the immediate annulment of what he described as unlawful and conflict-of-interest appointments made to the Shahid Dasharath Chand Medical University and the Medical Education Commission, and for prompt amendments to disputed provisions of the National Medical Education Act. He has also demanded the withdrawal of decisions or proposals to reduce scholarships and increase student seats in private medical colleges without adequate standards and infrastructure. Other demands include the immediate implementation of legal provisions requiring medical education to become fully non-profit, enforcement of previous written agreements reached with past governments, and expansion of health, education, transport and employment infrastructure in Sudurpashchim and other border regions to reduce citizens' dependence on neighbouring countries. In addition, Dr KC has called for strict action against those responsible for the murders, arson, looting and destruction that occurred on Bhadra 23 and 24, 2082 BS, as well as impartial investigations into corruption and criminal offences allegedly committed by senior politicians and public officials since the 1990 People's Movement. He said he was compelled to launch the hunger strike because the government had completely ignored his demands.