While the health of Dr Govinda KC, whose hunger strike entered sixth-day on Saturday, deteriorates, anger is brewing among Medical students of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), a major government health centre that caters to the need of over 3,000 people daily. The medical students, who are also employed by TUTH, have threatened to quit their services

On Friday, the undergraduate students decided to skip all their academic classes until Dr KC’s demands are met, while on Saturday students and doctors submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister urging him to fulfil demands of the Dr KC.

This is fifth-time Dr KC is on protest as the government's continues to renege on its commitment to take measures to reform medical education in the country.

In response to previous protest from Dr KC, the government formed a committee to suggest reform measures in medical education. The committe led by Dr. Kedar Bhakta Mathema submitted a report to the government. After much delay, the government again formed a sub-committee to put together an action plan to implement the reforms. But the sub-committee led by the Member of the National Planning Commission Yagya Bahadur Karki, ignored major reform measures recommended by Mathema committee, including fee structure and student intakes for MBBS courses.

"This time we won't agree with mere agreements. We want all the demands be fulfilled," said Dr KC, speaking to the Post.

Meanwhile, five among the six members of the Mathema Committee met with PM Koirala on Friday.

The committee members also submitted a letter to PM Koirala with note of dissatisfaction over the action plan on the report implementation of the government. The letter states that the action plan ignores the main thrust of the report—quality and equity while also remaining silent on fees for MBBS students.

"He has assured to do his best," said a doctor who was in the meeting.

 What are Dr KC’s demands?

Immediately take decision from Cabinet to implement Mathema-Committee report. Form the Health Profession Education Commission as envisioned by the report.

Establish a commission that would select office bearers in universities and academies.

Investigate on forgery of affiliations, total seats, patients and faculties and take action against those found guilty.

Investigate on deeds of Minister of Education who has been breaching all the past agreements.

Implement all past agreements including initiation of free Post-Graduate medical education, halting the affiliation of KU among others.

Appoint office bearers in Nepal Medical Council, Nepal Health Research Council and others based on meritocracy and not political affiliations.

Take action against officials who were found guilty by Jaya Ram Giri report.

Take necessary measures to manage students of Janaki Medical College where classes have been shut for past one year.