Locals have thrown their weight behind Dr Govinda KC who began another round of indefinite fast on Saturday, demanding reforms in the medical education sector.

The Jumla Civil Society has started a signature campaign in support of Dr KC, with the Jumla Doctors Association calling on the government to meet his demands and save the life of the fasting doctor. Dr KC said he would continue the hunger strike until the government addresses his demands.

The seniour orthopaedic surgeon reached Jumla on Saturday to stage the hunger strike at the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences. But police arrested him as he was heading to the Jumla Teaching Hospital. He was later taken to the District Administration Office (DAO) where he announced the hunger strike. Police baton-charged Dr KC’s supporters for getting into the prohibited DAO area. Two of his supporters were injured in the incident. The DAO

had declared its premises a prohibited zone to foil Dr KC’s plan.

However, he began his indefinite fast at the District Police Office on Saturday. He was later transferred to the Covered Hall of the District Sports Development Committee near the police office.

Dr KC is demanding that the government set up infrastructure and human resources to facilitate students for their admission to MBBS programmes at the Karnali Academy. He has also demanded that Parliament immediately pass the bill to replace the Medical Education Ordinance without changes except for the clause on service period after the master’s level in medical education. KC has also pressed the government to establish medical colleges in Doti and Udaypur districts.

“I will continue the fast until the government passes a student-oriented medical act,” Dr KC said.