Kathmandu, February 2

Senior orthopaedic surgeon Dr Govinda KC, who ended his 16th fast-unto-death yesterday, has decided to continue his peaceful protest in different forms.

Advocate Om Prakash Aryal, who is also part of Dr KC’s crusade for reforms in the country’s medical education, said Dr KC and civil society members supporting his cause would continue to raise the issues.

He said Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli did not implement the agreement with Dr KC because he lacked humanity and wanted Dr KC to die. “A satyagrahi’s demand can be addressed only by a government which has regard for peaceful protest and life,” he said.

Senior Advocate Surendra Bhandari, who is also part of Dr KC’s movement, told THT that Dr KC’s decision to end his hunger strike did not mean he had quit the struggle.

“Dr KC will continue his fight against the medical mafia in the form of street protest, mass awareness, lobbying, persuasion and advocacy,” he further said.

Dr KC hasn’t taken ownership of the National Medical Education Bill.

“Dr KC will coordinate, hold talks, and lobby the government for amendment of the bill. If the government fails to amend the bill as per the agreement, he will seek support from civil society and the general public,” said Dr Jivan Chhetri, aide to Dr KC.

Nepal Medical Association, an umbrella organisation of doctors, which supports Dr KC’s agenda, will also continue to support him.  NMA President

Dr Mukti Ram Shrestha said his orgnisation will always support Dr KC’s agenda and exert pressure on the government when necessary.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson for Nepali Congress Bishwo Prakash Sharma said his party would always support Dr KC’s agenda. Sharma added that the NC-led government had brought an ordinance to fulfil Dr KC’s demands.

“We will launch protest against the KP Sharma Oli-led government, if it provides affiliation to those colleges that got the letter of intent without meeting the criteria set by National Medical Commission,” he added.