Senior orthopaedic surgeon Dr Govinda KC, who has been on a hunger strike here since Saturday, was shifted to the emergency unit of the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) on Wednesday after his health condition deteriorated.

The medics at KAHS took Dr KC to the emergency ward at around 5:30pm by entering the covered hall where the anti-corruption crusader  has been staging hunger strike in police custody. A group of around 15 doctors and health workers entered the covered hall that was declared ‘prohibited zone’ and took Dr KC to the hospital.

Medical Director at KAHS Dr Pujan Rokaya said they brought KC to the academy  defying the prohibitory orders after the administration turned a deaf ear to their request to save the life of the fasting doctor.

“How can we remain mute spectators while a patient is in trouble?” asked Rokaya.  

Police personnel used force to prevent the doctors from taking Dr KC to the academy. But the locals, civil society leaders and the doctors managed to rescue Dr KC.

Dr KC’s treatment will not be easy at the KAHS, though. “There is no ICU in the hospital. We will provide the best possibly treatment available here,” said Bishwa Raj Kafle, the registrar at the KAHS. According to Dr KC’s aide Kishwor KC, Dr KC’s health deteriorated within 4-5 days. “The local administration does not make suitable environment to provide treatment in such a difficult situation as well,” he said.

Dr KC has vowed not to leave Jumla until his demands are addressed. “My struggle continues until my demands are met. I won’t go to Kathmandu,” Dr KC  said.