It seems that the Deuba-led government is serious in addressing its commitment to bring reforms in the medical education as demanded by Dr Govind KC who has staged multiple hunger strikes in line with the recommendations made by the Kedar Bhakta Mathema-led High Level Commission. This government deserves appreciation for getting the National Medical Education Ordinance authenticated by President.

A Bill related to this could not be passed through then Parliament due to non-cooperation from UML and CPN-MC lawmakers.

The government had formed a Medical Education Probe Committee (MEPC) on April 17 last year under the chairmanship of Gauri Bahadur Karki, former chairman of the Special Court, and directed it to give recommendations regarding the affiliation given to medical and dental colleges, exam fees, allocation of seats for MBBS students, officials involved in irregularities and existing status of medical colleges. This committee has now submitted its report to the government recommending several actions and steps to be taken to bring reforms in the medical

education sector in the coming days “Probe committee suggests reforms in medical education” (THT, February 6, Page2). The report has clearly recommended punitive action against 43 people involved in irregularities. Likewise, the committee has strongly recommended stern action against those medical colleges that have been found admitting more number of students, overcharging fees and not providing quality education. It was encouraging to know that the PM Deuba presided over the first meeting of the Medical Education Commission (MEC) which was formed with the mandate of making policies regarding the Letter of Intent, affiliation and scrapping of affiliation of medical colleges in accordance with the recommendation of the Kedar Bhakta Mathema Commission “MEC holds first meeting, office to be set up at MoE” (THT, February 6, Page 2). It remains to be seen whether the new government likely to be led by UML boss KP Oli will ensure effective implementation of the MEPC’s recommendations.

Rai Biren Bangdel, Maharjgunj

Technology

I am writing this to underscore the need that it would be great if we are able to make utmost use of technology in areas like banking, billing, paying for water, telephone and electricity bills and so on. When it comes to seeing the application of new technology, for example e-banking or online payment, it always seems zilch in Nepal. The new technology has become quite common in other parts of the world making life of general people easier. The general public is wasting their productive time just because of the lack of proper use of technology that is also available in the country. I think the more time we save, the more activities we can do.

Shiva Neupane, Melbourne