Dr. Govinda KC Launches 24th Hunger Strike, Accuses Government of Undermining Medical Education Reforms

Veteran medical education reform campaigner Prof. Dr. Govinda KC has launched his 24th hunger strike, accusing the government of backtracking on medical education reforms, ignoring past agreements, and making politically motivated appointments that undermine the country’s healthcare system.

Dr. KC began his indefinite fast on Thursday at the Krishna Mandir Dharamshala in Dhangadhi, Kailali, saying repeated government failures to implement earlier commitments had left him with no alternative but to resume his protest.

The latest hunger strike places renewed pressure on the government over longstanding disputes surrounding Nepal’s medical education sector, including governance of the Medical Education Commission, scholarship policies, and the commercialization of medical colleges.

Dr. KC’s Five Key Demands
Cancel controversial appointments made at the Dasharath Chand Medical University and the Medical Education Commission, alleging they were made in violation of legal provisions and involve conflicts of interest. He has also demanded amendments to disputed sections of the law.

Withdraw decisions to reduce scholarship quotas and halt proposals to increase seats in private medical colleges without meeting the required academic standards and infrastructure.

Enforce the National Medical Education Act, 2019, including provisions requiring medical education institutions to operate on a non-profit basis, and implement all written agreements reached with previous governments.

Improve public services in Sudurpashchim and other border regions, arguing that residents should no longer have to depend on neighboring countries for healthcare, education, transportation, and employment.

Ensure accountability for violent crimes and corruption, including legal action against those responsible for the killings, arson, looting, and destruction that occurred on Bhadra 23–24, 2082 (September 2025), as well as impartial investigations into corruption and criminal offenses allegedly committed by senior political leaders and public officials since Nepal’s 1990 democratic movement.

Dr. KC has led a series of hunger strikes over the past decade that have significantly influenced Nepal’s medical education policies. Several of his previous protests ended after the government signed written agreements promising reforms, many of which he says remain only partially implemented.