Medical students’ hunger strike at UCMS demanding principal’s resignation reaches 15th day

Published On: October 29, 2023 03:00 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

BUTWAL, Oct 29: Medical students’ hunger strike at Universal College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) and Teaching Hospital in Bhairahawa has entered its 15th day today.

The student movement has caused a complete disruption of education at the institution and medical services at the hospital. While the college administration is ready to address the demands put forth by the protesting students, no agreement has been reached regarding the resignation of the principal.

Sushil Gurung, the public relations officer of the medical college, said that the students have made the resignation of Principal Prof Dr Laxmi Pathak their foremost demand, and thus far, no agreement has been reached on this particular issue.

"The college is ready to address all the demands raised by the students, but we cannot make a decision on the principal's resignation," stated Gurung.

The resident doctors also expressed their support for the students’ movement, however, the consequence has been a disruption in medical services, affecting patients who require treatment.

The protest initially stemmed from the implementation of a new dress code for MBBS 3rd, 4th, and 5th year students, as well as interns, by Dr Pathak after assuming the role of principal. The students strongly objected to the dress code, especially female students who found it impractical for interns wearing pants and shorts for a long time. Furthermore, it is alleged that students who protested were also barred from taking their examinations.

Initially, the new dress code was intended for fourth-year MBBS students for just one year. However, it eventually evolved into a demand for the resignation of Principal Pathak.

The students are holding protests demanding that the principal resign, withdraw implementation of the new dress code, an increase in intern salaries, and lift on the restrictions of the students who were banned from taking the exam.

Currently, the resignation of the principal stands as the main point of the protest, with the support of about 600 MBBS and BDS students, along with resident doctors.