"We do not need anybody´s consent if the question is about saving lives," said Dr AE Ansari, vice-chairman of the Nepal Medical Council (NMC). "We even conduct operation of the seriously injured or critical patients without their consent. Consent is needed, if a patient is normal." [break]
"Despite the verdict of the Supreme Court (SC), we have not yet fed the couple forcefully," he added. The SC on Tuesday ordered the government to force feed the couple if they refuse to end hunger strike.
Several rights activists have criticized the court order arguing that force feeding is against the medical ethics and human rights. Dr Bulanda Thapa, director of the hospital, said that it is moral obligation of the doctors to save lives. He said the condition of Adhikari couple is "critical but stable" so there is no need of an immediate intervention. "The situation may change at any time. We will intervene when necessary," he said.
Dr Thapa informed that the hospital administration has already received a copy of the court order sent to Prime Minister´s Office (PMO). "We have got the letter. But we cannot intervene at this stage," he added. He said that the SC´s verdict has also supported doctors to take free decision about the couple. The hospital has formed a special of team nine doctors to take care of the couple.
Dr Nhuchheman Dongol, chief of hospital emergency, said the doctors have been supplying glucose, sodium chloride, potassium through saline drip to the couple. "We have been also providing antibiotic to prevent infection," he said.
Demanding action against the perpetrators involved in their son´s murder, Nanda Prasad Adhikari and his wife Gangamaya are on fast unto death for the last one and half month. They are adamant on continuing their hunger strike until the government booked the accused.
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