Kathmandu, July 10

Minister of Education, Science and Technology Giriraj Mani Pokharel today sought support from all lawmakers for passage of the National Health Education Bill from the Parliament.

Speaking at the National Assembly after lawmakers from the main opposition Nepali Congress registered a motion of urgent public importance related to Dr Govinda KC’s hunger strike and the bill, Minister Pokharel said that the government was concerned about the agitating doctor’s health. Dr KC, has been on hunger strike since June 30, demanding that the bill incorporate recommendations of the Kedar Bhakta Mathema-led commission.

“The bill recommends formation of a powerful commission as recommended by the Mathema-led commission. The commission will devise policies to improve the quality of education and other issues pertaining to the education sector. “The commission will also deal with problems related to medical education.”

Lawmakers of the House of Representatives had discussed the bill  yesterday after NC lawmakers registered a motion of urgent public importance.

NC lawmaker Radheshyam Adhikari registered the motion at the NA today. The motion was supported by Anita Devkota and Ramesh Jung Rayamajhi.

Minister Pokharel said the government was not bound to address voices raised from outside the Parliament. “The Parliament only has the right to accept or reject a bill. We can’t change the bill just because someone is not happy with it,” he added.

Stating that there no was logic behind barring establishment of new medical colleges in Kathmandu valley for the next 10 years, Minister Pokharel said, “The powerful commission will be entrusted with deciding whether or not new medical colleges should be established in the valley.”

NC lawmaker Adhikari urged the government to save Dr KC’s life.

Lawmaker Dhan Kumari Khatiwada of NC asked the government to implement past agreements.

However, Nepal Communist Party (NCP) lawmaker Ram Narayan Bidari said the government couldn’t fulfil Dr KC’s demands.

“I agree that Dr KC’s life should be saved, but the government can’t act on his whims. The Parliament is the final authority to take a decision on the issue,” said Bidari.