Kathmandu, July 9

A motion of urgent public importance related to Dr Govinda KC’s hunger strike and National Health Education Bill was discussed in the House of Representative today.

The motion, which was registered by Nepali Congress Lawmaker Dilendra Prasad Badu three days ago, was supported by NC Lawmakers Athar Kamal Musalman and Parwata DC Chaudhary.

HoR Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara allowed the notice for discussion, leading to war of words between lawmakers of the ruling Nepal Communist party (NCP) and the opposition NC.

NC Lawmakers asked the government to fulfil the demands of Dr KC, who has been on hunger strike since June 30 at the earliest and save his life. NC lawmakers criticised the government’s move revising the National Health Education Ordinance Bill, by removing key provisions that were in the ordinance such as not allowing opening of a health education institution in Kathmandu Valley for 10 years.

However, NCP (NCP) lawmakers said the government could not come up with a bill just because KC had demanded. They said Dr KC could not make and change laws, but the Parliament and lawmakers could. Badu said KC’s hunger strike was not for fulfilling his self-interest. “He has raised voice for the poor and marginalised people. He is raising his voice to make sure their children too can also get medical education,” he said.

NC Chief Whip Balkrishna Khand said KC was not alone, and the entire nation was behind him.

Another NC Lawmaker Gagan Kumar Thapa urged the government not to just consider profit and loss of a few individuals. “Don’t underestimate the people who are raising voices for truth outside, and don’t count heads in the Parliament,” he said.

However, NCP (NCP) lawmaker Yogesh Bhattrai termed the motion ‘useless’, and said it was just a waste of time. “Who said Dr KC is under government surveillance. This is totally a fraud notice,” he said, adding that a powerful Parliamentary Investigative Committee should probe this issue.

Former health minister and NCP (NCP) lawmaker Khagaraj Adhikari accused the NC of jeopardising the medical sector by allowing the private sector, and now speaking against it.

Another NCP Lawmaker Krishna Bhakta Pokharel said it was not necessary to seek Dr KC’s permission before devising any law. “This is the Parliament’s duty,” he said.

Minister for powerful panel

KATHMANDU: Minister of Education, Science and Technology Giriraj Mani Pokharel said the government could reform the medical education sector by forming a powerful commission. Furnishing his reply at the House of Representative, Pokharel said the government was preparing to form a powerful commission which would recommend solutions to all the issues. He also said neither a new bill would be devised nor the old bill would be re-introduced. “It is also not that we need to do whatever Dr KC wants. The Parliament will decide what to do and what not to do,” he said, adding that the government’s present concern was Dr KC’s health.