Dr KC warns of fresh hunger strike

Kathmandu, November 26

Senior orthopaedic surgeon Dr Govinda KC has provided 21 days ultimatum to the government demanding that his demands be met. If the government did not address the demands within the given time, he would start a fresh fast-unto-death on December 17, he warned.

Organising a press conference at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital today, Dr KC said despite the agreement signed four months ago, not one point of the agreement had been fulfilled. “We have been protesting and fighting against corruption and indifference in the medical sector, but it seems that the government won’t meet our demands. We have been demanding that the National Medical Education Bill be passed as soon as possible. If it is not passed, I will start a fresh hunger strike again.”

Putting forth a three-point demand, the senior doctor has drawn the government’s attention to the need to honour the agreement reached with him at the end of his last hunger strike, and implement his demands for reform in the medical education sector. In his demands, he also said that 43 officials of Tribhuvan University should be punished as per the recommendation made by a high level National Medical Education Commission led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki.

In addition, Dr KC has demanded that action be taken against culprit(s) involved in the rape and murder of Nirmala Panta. Likewise, the demand also states that a case of criminal offence be lodged against persons involved in destroying evidence, creating false evidence, torturing and opening fire at people demanding justice, among others, in Nirmala’s case.

Dr KC also demanded punishment for officials of Kathmandu University, who were involved in the decision to increase the cost of education. The hike in cost of education was determined by Kathmandu University against the decision of the government of Nepal. Dr KC also demanded that the decision be taken back.  “As a citizen, I have a duty to speak against corruption, violence and injustice. The issue of Nirmala is not only that of her family, but of the whole country,” shared Dr KC.

Dr KC has just recovered from the severe chest pain. He has been taking medication for gastritis. Speaking to THT, he said. “I have been fighting against the government to reduce corruption and inaction. If I lose my life while staging fast-unto-death, I will not hesitate to give up my life.”