Dr Govinda KC Threatens Hunger Strike if Demands Ignored

Dr. Govinda KC has declared his intention to launch a hunger strike, known as a Satyagraha, starting on September 15th, unless his demands are met. Dr. KC’s decision comes after a previous postponement of the strike due to government commitments.

Dr. KC, in a press release, explained, “Originally, we planned to begin the hunger strike on August 14th, raising several concerns. However, we postponed it for a month after receiving assurances from the government. If these commitments are not upheld, we will commence our hunger strike on September 15th.”

The doctor’s primary demand revolves around the selection of qualified individuals for key positions without any conflicts of interest. Dr. KC expressed apprehensions about certain candidates with allegations of serious misconduct, corruption, and inadequate management competing for the role of Vice Chairperson of the Medical Education Commission.

A list containing nine candidates, including the current Vice Chairperson, Prof Dr. Shrikrishna Giri, was unveiled. Dr. KC pointed out that these individuals were allegedly selected through improper seat allocation influenced by political affiliations and external interests. Additionally, he raised concerns about directors from private medical colleges and other vested groups exerting influence on the commission.

Dr. KC stressed, “Despite facing political interference, criminal activities, and obstacles during the first four years since the establishment of the Medical Education Commission, the Commission has achieved significant progress in enhancing medical education and safeguarding its autonomy. However, if individuals with conflicts of interest or corruption are appointed as officials, there’s a risk of undoing these achievements, potentially jeopardizing Nepal’s medical education quality, contradicting the principles of the Medical Education Act.”

He further added, “We call upon all relevant authorities to carefully select well-qualified candidates with a clean reputation, outstanding performance history, and no conflicts of interest for the position of Vice Chairperson.”