Kathmandu, December 4
The Prachanda government and Dr Govinda KC, who has launched a series of hunger strikes seeking reforms in the medical sector, have reached a 12-point understanding. With this deal, Dr KC has broken his recent fast after 22 days.
Dr KC ended his fast, receiving juice from 2.5-year-old Marsang Tamang, a boy from a quake-affected family.
Dr KC had started his fast, demanding fulfillment of his 10 demands, including appointment of dean at the Institute of Medicine on the basis of seniority. On Saturday evening, the government and Dr KC reached a 12-point deal that pledges to address these demands.
As per Dr KC’s demand, KP Singh has already resigned as IOM dean. The government has appointed Dr JP Agrawal in his place.
The deal disallows establishment of new medical colleges, among other things, before implementation of the Medicine Act.
The two sides have agreed to form a high-level committee under Kedar Bhakta Mathema for giving suggestions on KC’s demand for removal of Tribhuvan University Vice-chancellor Tirtha Khaniya.
As per the new scheme of things, institutions can collect up to Rs 38 lakh from each student pursuing MBBS in the Kathmandu Valley. Outside the valley, they can charge Rs 42 lakh per student.
