Dr. Govinda KC Ends Hunger Strike After Reaching Seven-Point Agreement with Government

Senior orthopedic surgeon and medical education reform campaigner Prof. Dr. Govinda KC has ended his 24th hunger strike after reaching a seven-point agreement with the Government of Nepal on Monday.

Dr. KC broke his fast by drinking juice in the presence of Dr. Bikash Devkota, Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene, and Prof. Dr. Jagadish Chandra Agrawal, Health Advisor to the Prime Minister.

Dr. KC had launched his hunger strike at the Krishna Temple in Dhangadhi, demanding reforms in medical education and the healthcare sector. As his health deteriorated, he was admitted to Seti Provincial Hospital. The fast was called off after the government agreed to address his key demands through a seven-point agreement.

Under the agreement, the government has committed to operating Shaheed Dasharath Chand University of Health Sciences in Geta, Kailali, as a fully functional teaching hospital with at least 300 beds and to immediately initiate MBBS and other academic programs. Necessary faculty recruitment, human resource management, procurement of medical equipment, and other institutional preparations will be completed without delay.

The agreement also states that the government will table a proposal during the current session of the Federal Parliament—within the next three months—to amend the legislation governing universities. The amendment will incorporate the Shaheed Dasharath Chand University of Health Sciences Act, 2082, including provisions related to the qualifications and appointment of university officials.

Furthermore, the Medical Education Commission will determine student intake strictly in accordance with the National Medical Education Act, 2019 (2075 B.S.), the National Medical Education Regulations, 2020 (2077 B.S.), and the prescribed quality standards. No increase in seats will be allowed in private medical colleges, while public institutions may expand their intake as needed. Existing scholarship provisions will remain unchanged.

The agreement also includes the formation of a high-level task force to study the implementation of the legal provision requiring medical education institutions to gradually operate on a non-profit and service-oriented basis. In addition, the federal and provincial governments have pledged to prioritize the expansion of healthcare, education, transportation, and other essential services in Sudurpashchim Province and other border areas to reduce citizens’ dependence on neighboring countries.

The government has further agreed to ensure strict legal action against those responsible for the murders, arson, looting, and destruction that occurred on Bhadra 23 and 24, 2082 B.S., while expediting impartial investigations into corruption and criminal offenses allegedly committed by high-ranking politicians and public officials since 2046 B.S.

Finally, a separate task force will be formed to review the implementation status of previous agreements reached with Dr. KC and submit a report within three months. An oversight committee, coordinated by the Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, will monitor the implementation of the agreement.