Govinda KC warns of hunger strike if demands not met within a week

Kathmandu, October 19

Medical education reform campaigner Dr Govinda KC has warned of launching protests, including a hunger strike, if the government fails to address his demands within a week.

In a statement issued on Monday, KC demanded the revocation of permission granted to Shaheed Dasharath Chand University of Health Sciences to run an MBBS programme without adequate infrastructure and human resources. He also called for the reversal of decisions to increase student quotas at institutions including the Army Medical College.

KC further demanded an impartial investigation into the roles of officials at the Medical Education Commission and the university, and the dismissal of officials found to have conflicts of interest.

He objected to plans to launch academic programmes at the Geta Teaching Hospital without first ensuring the necessary infrastructure and staffing or bringing the hospital into full operation. Such decisions, he said, could compromise the quality of medical education and put public health at risk.

KC also raised questions about the decision to increase seats at the Army Medical College, noting that Dr Devendra Khatri had served as the college’s principal before being appointed vice-chairperson of the Medical Education Commission. He said the appointment and the subsequent decision raised concerns about conflicts of interest and the impartiality of the decision-making process.

He also called for an investigation into the appointment of the vice-chairperson’s family members to the committee responsible for determining student quotas.

Highlighting the prolonged delay in bringing Geta Medical College and Teaching Hospital into full operation despite the completion of construction, KC said people in Sudurpaschim Province continued to face difficulties accessing quality healthcare. Many are still compelled to travel to Nepalgunj, Kathmandu or India for treatment, he said.

KC demanded the immediate implementation of an agreement reached with the government on Srawan 11, 2083, which included provisions to bring Geta Teaching Hospital into full operation. He accused the government of failing to implement the agreement.

His demands include withholding permission for MBBS programmes until institutions meet infrastructure, staffing and legal requirements; scrapping decisions to increase student quotas; investigating and taking action against responsible officials; and implementing the government agreement.

KC warned that if the demands are not addressed within seven days, he will launch protest programmes, including a hunger strike. He said the government would be responsible for the consequences of any resulting agitation.

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