Dr Govinda KC has said he is ready to die in Jumla and will not end his fast-unto-death unless his demands are fulfilled. Stating that he has started his crusade for reform in medical education sector for the benefit of general public, he has vowed to continue his fight till his last breath.
"Mafia prevails in the health sector. The current government is a major accomplice of the mafias," he told Setopati from his bed. "My struggle will not stop until a law is formulated to end the malpractices in medical education and health sectors."
Dr Govinda KC is into the 11th day of his fast-unto-death at the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences in Jumla demanding that the ordinance brought by the Deuba government be implemented as it is.
Dr KC has accused the government of bringing the bill to replace the ordinance with an intention of providing affiliation for medical college to four hospitals owned by businessmen close to the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN).
The ordinance stops establishment of new medical colleges in Kathmandu Valley for 10 years as demanded by Dr KC, limits granting of affiliation by a university to a maximum of five medical colleges, and allows affiliation to only those that have operated a hospital, taking permission from the Health Ministry, for three years among others.
The government does not seem to be serious about his demands even as his health is deteriorating. Doctors involved in his treatment say there is scarcity of magnesium in his blood and that has resulted in fluctuations in his heart beat. They have said his heart can stop pumping the blood at any time as a result.
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli, meanwhile, has been making light of Dr KC's demands and his fast. He instructed lawmakers of the Communist Part of Nepal (CPN) to take a strong stand against Dr KC's fast and demands during the meeting of parliamentary party on Monday.
"A few persons have been shouting in Kathmandu instigating Dr KC to sleep in Jumla. These persons who have been making unseasonal remarks will stop shouting soon," PM Oli said.
He had warned the office-bearers of Nepal Medical Association (NMA), who had gone to submit memorandum letter to him on Sunday, of action if there are any protest programs in the health sector. He vowed to develop Nepal as a medical hub and stressed that he will not relent to Dr KC's demands.
