Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Dr Govinda KC met on Saturday to discuss the implementation of the nine-point agreement reached two weeks ago. PM Oli suggested the idea of forming an inspection committee to ensure effective implementation of the agreement. This is a welcome step from the prime minister who was earlier seen as standing against Dr KC’s hunger strikes and his demands for reforms in medical education. Prime Minister has shown positive gesture and we hope the government lives by its words and fulfils its obligation as per the agreement. 

PM Oli is reported to have proposed that Dr KC lead the inspection committee, which Dr KC denied swiftly. Individuals like Dr KC have the moral authority in our society and commands public respect. The state must recognize this fact. He did not sit for hunger strike for 15 times for personal cause, his goal was to improve the medical education and health services in the country. Had it not been for Dr KC, studying MBBS would have cost more than 10 million rupees by now. The cost is less than half of that—thanks to Dr KC’s relentless call for reforms.  Dr KC wants the government to live by the spirit of the constitution which guarantees affordable healthcare to all citizens. If all the medical institutions are crowded in the city, then 80 percent of the people who live in far-flung villages will continue to die of simple ailments like diarrhea and fever. Even the people who have no means to go to hospital when needed should be able to get quality care under “socialism oriented” country, as envisioned by our constitution. 

The meeting between PM Oli and DR KC came at a time when people were accusing the prime minister of helping medical mafia control health education in the country. This gesture should now result in efficient and effective implementation of past agreements between the government and Dr KC. It appears the two men have the same intent: to ensure that all Nepalis receive good healthcare and that those who qualify to study medicine won’t have to sell everything to pay the medical school bills.  When both aspire for efficient, reliable and affordable health services for people and as affordable medical education system for the country, there is no reason why the agreements signed with Dr KC do not get implemented. The government should ensure that Dr KC does not have to stage another hunger for the same cause again, for that would only anger the public and the Oli government will quickly lose whatever public support it has left so far. Dr KC and the people will be there to closely follow government’s next steps to address issues facing our healthcare and health education. Prime minister’s meeting with Dr KC has raised some hope. Let not this hope fade away.