The government talks panel headed by Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister Krishna Hari Baskota has agreed in principle to study feasibility on providing autonomy to the Institute of Medicine (IoM), stop affiliation to new medical colleges and to set up a mechanism to appoint a new dean on the basis of “seniority and work experience”.

 Other members of the government team include Secretaries of Ministry of Home Affairs Janardan Nepal, Narayan Gopal Malegu of Ministry of Education and Pravin Mishra of Ministry of Health and Population. 

As demanded by Dr KC, the government said that a six-member team formed by the Cabinet on January 16 will submit a feasibility report on providing autonomy

to the IoM. The institute will not be forced to provide affiliations to new colleges until the government comes up with a clear policy on the number of medical  colleges. A source said the policy will be drafted after analysing the present status of the medical colleges, distribution of colleges in different geographical locations on need basis.   

“Respecting the autonomy of the Tribhuvan University, we have reached an understanding with IoM doctors  that appointments of dean will be done on the basis of seniority and work experience,” said a doctor who was present at the meeting.

“The four-member panel will play a vital role in recommending candidates for the position.”

The Tribhuvan University had sacked newly appointed IoM Dean Dr Sashi Sharma, following the government instruction on Wednesday in an attempt to break Dr KC’s fasting but he refused to oblige saying that he would continue the struggle until a new dean is appointed.

The negotiators have agreed to move forward in appointing a new dean only if Dr Prakash Sayami denies to come back to his position. The former dean had resigned on December citing his reservation over granting TU affiliations to new colleges. Dr Kishore Khanal, president of the resident doctors of the hospital, said Dr KC is positive on the agreement but has asked for a written commitment on this regard before ending his fast.

“Dr KC has said he would break his fast once the government fulfills the demands put forth by Nepal Medical Association,” said Dr Khanal.

Resident doctors of the hospital have called on all 25 senior professors in the midnight to give their commitment on appointment of dean on seniority basis, threatening to continue protest if the agreement is not implemented. All four members of the government talks team had reached the TU Teaching Hospital to inform the agitating doctors about the government’s commitment to address the demands. Talks were held between senior doctors and resident doctors after Dr KC vowed to accept their decisions. Doctors attending Dr KC said his health is worsening by the day and is in need of immediate medical intervention.