Dr KC examining patients even during hunger strike

Dr. Govinda KC, who has been on a fast-unto-death since September 12, has been examining patients from inside the premises of the temple he has been fasting in. KC has been staying inside the premises of the Babira Masto Than (temple) at Ranichaur, Chandannath Municipality-6 of Jumla district, from where he examines patients on an empty stomach.

On his 19^th hunger strike for improvement in quality of medical education, KC says, “I am ready to die if my demands are not met, and I will continue to serve the sick till my last breath.” Locals have been visiting Dr KC in the temple premises with their health problems. They have lauded the doctor for his selfless service despite his deteriorating health.

According to Dr KC, his hunger strike had to be continued to stop the government's plunder in health education, and to ensure equal access to free quality education and healthcare for all Nepalis.

During his earlier hunger strike in Jumla, KC had demanded the Medical Education Act be amended as per the agreement with him on 26 July 2008.

He says people’s access to healthcare would greatly increase in remote areas if his demands are met. MBBS and other medical education programs should be conducted at Karnali Institute of Health Sciences and post-graduate level permission given to it immediately, he adds, and teaching at Geta Medical College and Rapti Institute of Health Sciences begin at once. He also urges the government to start the process of establishing government-run medical colleges and hospitals in Province 2 and Gandaki Province, as well as Doti, Dadeldhura, Udaypur, Ilam and Panchthar districts.