Dr. Govinda KC ends hunger strike after health deterioration

Dhangadhi: Prominent medical education reform activist Dr. Govinda KC has ended his hunger strike, which he had begun last Sunday in protest against the increase of seats in private medical colleges. Dr. KC broke his fast at 2 pm after drinking juice offered by Pritam Chaudhary, a patient receiving treatment at Geta Medical College.

Dr. KC’s health had been deteriorating during the strike. On Tuesday morning, his assistant, Dr. Amrit Jaisi, reported that KC was experiencing an abnormal heart rhythm, muscle pain, and dizziness. “His health condition was gradually worsening. He had not agreed to undergo further treatment as advised by doctors,” Dr. Jaisi stated.

The hunger strike was launched to protest the Medical Education Commission’s decision on July 30, which allowed private medical colleges to provide up to 130 MBBS seats. Dr. KC argued that allocating seats to private colleges that do not meet required standards would compromise the quality of medical education and health services. “Increasing seats in private medical colleges fills the pockets of leaders and mafia, but education quality deteriorates. Declining quality means declining health services, endangering the health of ordinary Nepalis,” he said.

Dr. KC also criticized the recent decisions of the Medical Education Commission, stating that they have failed to benefit students and the public, while undermining the education and health systems. Alongside the satyagraha, he has demanded the withdrawal of the seat increase for private medical colleges, the immediate opening of government medical colleges and hospitals in Ilam, Udayapur, and Dadeldhura, and the commencement of the teaching hospital and educational programs completed at Geta, Kailali.

Additionally, Dr. KC has urged the government to implement provisions related to the Integrated Institutions Act, Higher Education Act, non-profit medical education, and placements as per previous agreements.