The government has urged Dr Govinda KC, who has been staging an indefinite hunger strike in Jumla for the past 20 days, to come to Kathmandu for treatment.

Organising a press conference at the Ministry on Thursday, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Griraj Mani Pokharel informed that the government is preparing to rescue Dr KC. “After looking at the medical report of Dr KC the rescue should not be delayed,” said Minister Pokharel, “The government has already sent a helicopter to bring him back to Kathmandu.”

The government has sent a Nepal Army chopper along with Education Secretary Khagaraj Baral and Health Department Director General Dr Gunaraj Lohani to Jumla.

The government is planning for a treatment at Maharajgunj-based Teaching Hospital for Dr KC.

Minister Pokharel informed that the government is planning to airlift Dr KC as there is no Intensive Care Unit in Jumla’s karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS).

While responding to the queries put forth by journalists, Minister Pokharel hinted that the government will bring the agitating doctor to Kathamandu at any cost. “Dr KC’s nature may be of one kind but his health is whole other issue. We have provided a helicopter and he will (have to) come,” he said.

Likewise, Minister Pokharel reiterated the government stand saying that the National Medical Education Bill not be withdrawn from the parliament.

“The National Medical Education Bill is in parliament and the bill will be finalised and endorsed as per the parliament practice. The bill not be withdrawn by holding talks outside the parliament,” said the Education Minister adding, “There is no need to stage a hunger strike and shutdown medical services.”