NC draws govt attention towards Dr KC's hunger strike

KATHMANDU: The main opposition Nepali Congress has expressed serious concern towards the deteriorating health condition of hunger striker Dr KC and the government's apathy towards addressing his demands.

Organizing a press conference here today, NC Spokesperson Biswo Prakash Sharma put the party's opinion on Dr KC's demands, past agreements and present situation.

He claimed that the unprecedented growth seen in the medical education sector was a result of liberal economy adopted by the NC after the 1990 change.

The demands put forth by Dr KC since long back are spectacular for imperative reforms and progress in the medical education sector, he said, adding that NC has come to a conclusion that it is the shared duty of all to work together for the implementation of his demands.

"The then NC President Sushil Koirala-led government had formed a task force to frame medical education bill under the leadership of Dr Kedar Bhakta Mathema. Addressing the demands of Dr KC, NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government had prepared a bill and tabled before the parliament. But, the Deuba government had addressed Dr KC's demands by introducing ordinance after there was no situation to sort out the issue through a parliamentary process".

NC had to obstruct the parliamentary proceedings for the protection of its main spirit when the incumbent government abstained of implementing the ordinance as it was and Dr KC had to stage hunger strike again, Sharma added.

"The Prime Minister has only two alternatives, either to return to an agreement or to face pressure from every side. We appeal to the Prime Minister to take this issue in a serious manner", Sharma further said.

Dr KC's health condition is getting complicated and it is shamefulness on part of the government to remain apathetic to addressing his demands, he noted.

On a different note, the NC has demanded a serious and in-depth investigation into the irregularities of billions of rupees in course of the procurement of Nepal Airlines Corporation wide-body aircraft.