Dr KC’s condition critical, government yet to initiate talks

Kathmandu, November 2

The health of Prof. Dr Govinda KC, the campaigner for medical education reform, has become critical. After his blood sugar and oxygen levels dropped and he developed breathing problems, he was brought to Kathmandu from Ilam by helicopter for further treatment.

KC, who was on his 25th fast-unto-death in Ilam, was admitted to the TU Teaching Hospital on Monday. Hospital information officer Kali Prasad Rosyara said his health checkups and treatment have begun.

According to Rosyara, KC’s blood sugar level has dropped and he has breathing difficulties. He also has abdominal pain and a urinary tract infection.

KC is being treated in Cabin 501 of the Teaching Hospital.

His health had been showing continuous complications since the fifth day of the fast. After he had trouble breathing, he was put on oxygen from Sunday night. As his condition grew more dangerous, the doctors treating him recommended a transfer to a well-equipped hospital.

Meanwhile, the Nepal Medical Association has urged the government to take immediate action to save Dr KC’s life. Saying his condition is becoming serious because of the fast, the association has drawn the government’s attention to the need for urgent talks to address his demands.

In a joint statement, association president Dr Badri Rijal and general secretary Dr Bishwaraj Dawadi demanded the necessary treatment and health protection so that KC’s condition does not worsen. The association said KC’s blood sugar and oxygen levels are low and that even medical checkups have become difficult.

The association said the government should make saving the life of KC a priority. KC has long raised his voice for reform in medical education and health services, for easy public access to quality health care, and for good governance.

However, even though KC’s condition has become critical, the government has not started formal talks. Some of those who once stood with Dr KC are now ministers and lawmakers. He has now gone on a fast twice in six months. Criticism is growing that his demands have still not been addressed even after his former supporters came to power.

Meanwhile, the secretariat of Education Minister Sasmit Pokhrel claims that informal dialogue is ongoing.

“We have been in informal communication since he began the fast,” a member of the secretariat said. “We will soon form a negotiation team and start talks.”

What are KC’s demands?

KC began the fast with six demands. They include revoking the permission granted to run MBBS and nursing programs at Geta without the necessary infrastructure, an impartial investigation into conflicts of interest in the appointment of officials to the Medical Education Commission and universities, and running Geta Hospital at full capacity.

He has also demanded the implementation of earlier agreements with the government. He is calling for an end to the distortions in medical education and health services and for guaranteed public access to quality health care. Voices are being raised that the government should take the initiative to hold talks and resolve his demands, even as KC’s condition becomes more critical.

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