Kathmandu, October 11
Medical education reform activist Dr Govinda KC has agreed to end his indefinite hunger strike on Sunday morning after signing an eight-point deal with the government on Saturday midnight.
Education Secretary Gopi Nath Mainali, the leader of the government-commissioned three-member talks team, signed the agreement with the senior orthopaedic surgeon who was on the fast-unto-death for the past 27 days. It was Dr KC’s 19th hunger strike in the past decade demanding various reforms in the country’s medical education and health service sectors.
Highlights of the deal
The two sides have agreed to address Dr KC’s demands, some immediately and some later.
As per the agreement, the government will finalise drafts of the Higher Education Bill and Integrated Medical Science Academy Bill, incorporating demands of Dr KC about an undisputable system of appointing education officials in such academies and universities.
Likewise, a task force formed by the Medical Education Commission, which is preparing a proposal to amend the Medical Education Act, will be assigned to reflect in its proposal past agreements signed with the reform activist.
Meanwhile, the government also expressed its commitment to launching various education programmes including an MBBS course in newly established and under-construction academies.
Dr KC, on his part, has agreed to end the fast on Sunday morning.
