Kathmandu, December 17

Senior orthopaedic surgeon Dr Govinda KC warned the government he would begin his 16th fast-unto-death if the government did not pass the Medical Education Bill and fulfil his other demands within the given time.

Extending the deadline by two weeks today, Dr KC provided time to pass the Medical Education Bill by January 1.

Dr KC had organised a press meet on November 26, in which he provided 21 days ultimatum to the government to meet his demands. The deadline ends today. He had warned to start a fast-unto-death today, but the parliamentary Education and Health Committee under the House of Representatives, on December 16, requested Dr KC to provide some time to take the Bill ahead.

Issuing a press statement today, Dr KC said the committee had requested him to extend the time as it would take some time to take the bill to the Parliament. Extending the time, Dr KC provided two weeks to pass the National Medical Education Bill.

In the same way, reminding the government to fulfil other demands, Dr KC warned he would start a fast-unto-death as well as protest programmes if the government failed to address his demands and played some tricks on him. Dr KC put forth a three-point demand on November 26, which includes passage of the National Medical Education Bill; punishment for 43 officials of Tribhuvan University as per the recommendation made by the high level National Medical Education Commission.

In addition, Dr KC has demanded action against culprit(s) involved in the rape and murder of Nirmala Panta. He has also demanded that a case of criminal offence be lodged against persons involved in destroying evidence, creating false evidence, torturing, open fire at people demanding justice, in Nirmala’s case. Dr KC also demanded punishment for officials of Kathmandu University involved in the decision to hike the price of education in the university and sought revocation of the price hike.