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Education Minister Pokharel urges Dr KC to end hunger strike



Giriraj Mani Pokharel, National Medical Education Bill

KATHMANDU, Jan 27: Minister for Education, Science and Technology Giriraj Mani Pokharel has urged Dr Govinda KC to end his hunger strike and cooperate with the government.

Senior orthopedic surgeon Dr KC has been stating 16th fast-unto-death at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital since January 9. He has accused the government of preparing the National Medical Education Bill breaching the agreement reached with him on July 26 last year.

The government on Friday forced the Bill into the parliament and endorsed it with majority amid stiff resistance from the main opposition party Nepali Congress. Dr KC has said that he won’t end hunger strike unless the government accommodates all his demands in the Bill.

“I have already told him that I am ready to hold talks to resolve the problem related to education sector. I honor Dr KC for his efforts in bringing reforms in medical education sector,” said Minister Pokharel at an interaction program organized by Reporters’ Club Nepal on Sunday.

“I don’t understand why he has brought a number of political issues in his struggle. He is ailing and I believe he can’t even write all his statements. But the issues related to home administration which he has raised, has only weakened his position. I request him to end hunger strike and cooperate us to create a new environment. Only pointing toward government can’t save his life. His life is also the responsibility of people around him as well.”

“I assure him that the government is still ready to hold conversation,” he added.

Minister Pokharel further said that the Bill will be presented in the National Assembly tomorrow for further approval.

“The federal parliament has endorsed the Medical Education Bill 2075. It will be presented at the National Assembly as agenda tomorrow. The members of the National Assembly can propose amendments in the bill. After the both the house passes the bill, the president will authenticate the bill and it will become a law,” said the education minister.

Minister Pokharel expressed his belief that the Bill, after it becomes law, will bring drastic changes in the medical education sector.

“The bill has included all the 42 disciplines of the medical education and has included the basis aspects of all the agreements reached with Dr KC till now.”

“It is one of the greatest achievements in the education sector of the country,” he added.

He also claimed that the commission was formed based on the report presented by Mathema report, which has combined all the universities, academies, councils and stake holders.”

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