Prof Dr Govind KC has carried out nine hunger strikes in the last four years to press for quality medical education and protest against the profiteering in the medical education sector and the policy regarding the establishment of new medical colleges. The current fast-unto-death is Prof KC’s 10th. He has completed 18 days of strike, but the government has not fulfilled his demands even though it has made many pledges to do so. Like Prof KC, many health personnel and intellectuals want to establish quality medical education in Nepal. The medical mafia, a term coined to refer to those who earn money illegally in the name of medical education, has been growing day by day. Nepal has become a hub for illegal medical businesses where a few people are earning money by playing with the health of patients. 

Every time Prof KC launches his movement, he has received the support of hundreds of medical professionals. However, on this occasion, he has fewer supporters because he has made debatable demands. In essence, the government has agreed not to issue permits to open new medical colleges in the current situation, formulate a National Medical Education Policy and make appointments to high positions at Tribhuvan University according to seniority. In addition, the government has agreed to a number of other demands related to medical education, but they have not been fulfilled. All the demands made by Prof Govind KC may not be valid; but some, of course, support the development of the health sector, and they must be addressed by the government as soon as possible.

Quality medical education

The social media are filled with posts saying that Prof Govind KC’s life must be saved, but at the same time, they also say that only the justifiable demands must be fulfilled. This means that not all demands raised by Prof KC deserve to be addressed, and he should rethink them. Many people also claim that Prof KC’s hunger strike is person-centred instead of being policy-centred. This time Prof KC has been losing fans because of his debatable demands. Many intellectuals are against the proposed policy of appointing administrative officials on the basis of seniority only. Likewise, some other issues raised by Prof KC will not help the development of medical education and Nepal’s health delivery system, though many of his demands are in favour of the ultimate development of the health sector.

It is true that Prof Govind KC is an honest and dedicated person who has sacrificed his personal interest for the development of quality medical education in Nepal. None of his demands that the government agreed to at different times have been fulfilled till now. Instead, the government has been favouring corrupt persons. No government agency has shown any interest in checking illegal activities in the field of medical education—neither the Ministry of Health nor the Ministry of Education. The concerned university and council have also been keeping their eyes closed. But it is well known that Prof KC cannot compromise on the quality of medical education. Not only Prof KC, but other intellectuals cannot compromise on such issues either. 

Flexibility from both sides

In order to resolve these issues, Prof KC has again gone on a hunger strike. It is very interesting that one of his demands is similar to the one he made during his first fast-unto-death. Since the demand made by Prof KC this time is controversial, the strike may continue for some more days. On the one hand, it is necessary to save the life of Prof  KC who is fighting for us and quality medical education. On the other hand, we must be careful not to set a bad example for the future. Many intellectuals say that appointing an official on the basis of seniority only is not justifiable. We must unite to save Dr KC, but we should also think about such debatable issues. We need Prof KC, and his genuine demands should be fulfilled by the government. 

Prof KC should think about the debatable issues once again and call off the strike to save his life and be stronger next time. Both the government and Prof KC must be flexible to arrive at a settlement. Let’s hope the government will address Prof KC’s genuine issues and leave the debatable ones for further discussion. This is necessary to resolve the current impasse and create an environment for ending the strike. It is hoped that the government will develop an environment where there will be no need for further strikes.

Sah is a professional in hospital management and serves at NIMS National Hospital, Damak