Kathmandu, July 4

Nepal Medical Association has threatened to launch nationwide protest if Dr Govinda KC, senior orthopaedic surgeon at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital who has been staging hunger strike in Jumla, was not well looked after and allowed to stage protest on the premises of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences.

Issuing a press statement today, NMA said the government had shown ‘inhuman behaviour’ by  forcing Dr Govinda KC to sleep in the district covered hall under police security. It has accused the government of treating Dr KC as a criminal and suppressing the freedom of speech.

NMA said the health condition of Dr KC was deteriorating and regular monitoring of his health condition was necessary.  The release signed by NMA general secretary Lochan Karki stated that the government had also restricted Dr KC from staging hunger strike in Karnali Academy of Health Sciences. It warned of protests if the agitating doctor was not allowed to stage protest inside the hospital.

Similarly, vice-president of Karnali chapter of NMA Prabin Giri, said the health condition of Dr KC was worsening, but District Administration Office had been ignoring the demands.  “We are not getting any positive response from the chief district officer. So, we will be forced to launch nationwide protests,” he said.

Giri said services had been halted at all health institutions and hospitals of Province 6 as doctors, nurses and medical staff were protesting to express solidarity with Dr KC.

“Except emergency, all other services have been halted. We will continue our protest until our demands are met,” he added. Doctor Govinda KC hunger strike entered fifth day today.