By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Oct. 11: The government has requested Dr. Govinda KC to end his hunger strike by issuing a statement through Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on Saturday.
The statement recounts the developments in regard to the demands put forth by Dr. KC following which the government has requested him to end his hunger strike noting that the government and Dr. KC were on the same page.
“Nepal government is dedicated in expanding medical education and making health service accessible to all. So, we request Prof. Dr. KC to end his hunger strike at a time when the country is hit by COVID-19 pandemic,” read the statement signed by Education Secretary Gopinath Mainali, who is also the coordinator of government’s talks team.
The government had formed a three-member team led by Mainali on Wednesday to held talks with Dr. KC regarding the demands. The two sides sat for official discussion on Thursday for around 10 hours but couldn’t reach an agreement.
Speaking to The Rising Nepal earlier, Mainali had said that Thursday’s meeting had ended without an agreement though the two sides held detailed discussion over every demand.
However, on Friday, the committees had been in informal talks over the demands and met for a formal talk after 9 pm. The late night meeting, too, couldn’t come to a conclusion.
Following the disagreement, Dr. KC’s supporters and alliances have revealed their plan to intensify the protest.
The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has issued a statement on Saturday stating that health institutions across the country will remain closed, except for the emergency and COVID-19 services, on Sunday.
Dr. KC’s supporters have also appealed to citizens, professional organizations and political parties to come to the street through a demonstration at Maitighar Mandala on Saturday.
The steps by the supporters of Dr. KC have come at a time when his health is deteriorating with Saturday marking 27th day of his 19th hunger strike.
As the health of Dr. KC is weakening, the government has also been trying to come to an agreement but the two sides are having reservations over some demands.
A group of nine senior doctors of Nepal have also appealed the government to reach an agreement following the flagging health condition of Dr. KC.
“We hope for a positive response from Prime Minister in creating a proper environment for agreement,” read the appeal signed by Dr. Kedar Narsingh KC, past-president of NMA.
The other doctors showing solidarity with the appeal are Dr. Bharat Pradhan, former state minister for health, Dr. Mahesh Maske, former ambassador, and Dr. Bhagwan Koirala, chairman at Nepal Medical Council, among others.
Meanwhile, aides to Dr. KC have said that they have taken note of the statement issued by the government.