When Dr KC first began fasting in protest in 2011, he probably did not think that he would be doing so13 more times. Dr KC’s first began fasting in opposition to the rampant abuse of power in the medical education sector. This included the political meddling in universities that depleted the quality of medical education in the country. According to Dr KC, the illegal and unethical involvement of the political class in the medical sector has led to usurious increase in the fees charged by medical schools thus excluding brilliant but poor students who could not afford the education any longer. On March 13 and 14, 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) at TUTH had conducted an entrance examination for post-graduate applicants but students and doctors at the institute soon started a protest citing irregularities in the exam. The hospital was consequently closed for 19 days. Then, following a directive by the apex court to the government and the hospital to investigate the issue, a committee—spearheaded by former secretary Jay Ram Giri—submitted a report two months later, which uncovered irregularities and recommended punishments to the guilty. However, till date, no one has been booked, including then-Dean Dr Arun Sayamai. 

Most recently, Dr KC has been vocal against Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli, who has given a string of controversial decisions regarding the medical education sector. Dr KC’s demands have forced the government to formulate the Health Profession Education Act that envisions a Health Profession Education Commission (HPEC). Many, including Dr KC, believe that if this institution is kept independent, it would bring about a change in the medical education sector.

— By Manish Gautam