Government and Dr. Govinda KC talks near conclusion, eight-point agreement draft prepared

Dhangadhi: An eight-point agreement draft has been prepared between hunger-striking professor Dr. Govinda KC and the government negotiation team, with discussions nearing a conclusion.

After failing to reach an agreement on Sunday, both sides resumed talks today and prepared the eight-point draft agreement. The draft has been sent to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel for approval.

Dr. KC’s aide and negotiation team member Dr. Amrit Jaisi said the team is awaiting the government’s response. He said that although there is a general understanding between both sides, the agreement has not yet been signed and some additions may still be made to the eight points.

The draft agreement includes operating a 300-bed hospital at Shaheed Dasharath Chand University of Health Sciences within the current fiscal year and starting MBBS studies in the same fiscal year.

Similarly, a draft agreement has been prepared to remove conflict-of-interest provisions from the relevant act, remove Registrar Dr. Bhim Bahadur Chand from his post and retain Vice Chancellor Dr. Sunil Kumar Joshi in his position.

Dr. KC has been on a hunger strike in Dhangadhi with five demands. His demands include immediate implementation of legal provisions to make medical education completely non-profit as per the National Medical Education Act and cancellation of the appointments of officials, including the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of Shaheed Dasharath Chand University of Health Sciences.

He has also demanded immediate cancellation of decisions or proposals to reduce scholarships and increase seats in private colleges without meeting required criteria and infrastructure through the Medical Education Commission. Other demands include strict action against those responsible for killings, arson, looting and destruction during the Genji movement, as well as a fair investigation into corruption and crimes committed by high-ranking politicians and officials since 2046 and action against those found guilty.

Representing the government in the talks are Prime Minister’s Health Advisor Dr. JP Agrawal, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene Dr. Bikash Devkota and Education Secretary Chudamani Poudel.

Dr. Pawan Thapa and Dr. Amrit Jaisi are representing Dr. KC’s side. Dr. KC began his hunger strike in Dhangadhi from the 7th after the government failed to address his demands by the 5th of July.

Dr. KC, who initially started the hunger strike at Krishna Mandir Dharamshala in Dhangadhi, was shifted to Seti Provincial Hospital on Saturday after his health condition became critical. He is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It has been stated that Dr. KC will end his hunger strike after the agreement is signed.