Dr. Govinda KC Demands Removal of Health Minister

During a program hosted by the National Trauma Center in Kathmandu last Saturday, renowned physician Dr. Govinda KC stirred controversy by demanding the immediate removal of Health and Population Minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet.

Dr. KC’s bold call for action was met with counter-allegations from Minister Basnet, who accused the doctor of being supported by a medical group and threatened punitive measures against those involved in the protest.

In response to the accusations, Dr. KC issued a press statement on Sunday, vehemently refuting Minister Basnet’s claims. Dr. KC, known for his advocacy of accessible healthcare and quality education, accused Minister Basnet of being aligned with criminal networks and called for his removal, citing a contradiction with democratic principles.

The doctor highlighted the undue pressure exerted by top political leaders, including the Prime Minister, Health Minister, and members of the Parliamentary Health and Education Committee, to grant affiliation and operation permissions for health-related educational institutions. These institutions, under the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), were alleged to fall short of standards and violate existing laws.

Dr. KC criticized Minister Basnet for spreading false rumors about the need for medical professionals to study abroad, emphasizing that the enactment of the Medical Education Act has led to a decrease in the number of individuals seeking education abroad. Private medical colleges and nursing schools in Nepal are reportedly struggling to fill vacant seats due to a lack of applicants.

Accusing Minister Basnet of undermining the dignity of his office, Dr. KC called for a commitment to democratic values in the governance of Nepal. He held Prime Minister Prachanda accountable for any undemocratic actions by Minister Basnet and insisted on the implementation of agreements reached between previous governments and his advocacy group by December 14. Failure to meet these demands, Dr. KC warned, would lead to escalating measures, including strong protests and potentially initiating a satyagraha from December 15.