Police fail to bring Dr KC to capital

Published On: November 12, 2019 07:50 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

Photo: Republica/Files

KATHMANDU, Nov 12: Crusader for medical reforms Dr Govinda KC refused to fly to Kathmandu when police officials reached Dadeldhura District Hospital on Monday to bring him to the capital. Police officials flew in a helicopter to Dadeldhura on the 8th day of Dr KC's hunger strike to bring the agitating doctor to Kathmandu but returned back empty-handed.

Dr KC's brother, Kishore KC, who has been with him since the third fast-unto-death told Republica that the government sent five to eight police officials and tried to take him in a manner that was not appropriate.

Dr KC has been staging his 17th hunger strike in Dadheldhura since the last eight days demanding reforms in the medical sector and to honor the past agreements.

“Dr KC has remained firm to his demands and that he wants to stay in Dadeldhura. If anyone comes to take him away without his consent it could amount to kidnapping him,” said his brother Kishore.

Dr Jitendra Kandel, who has been treating Dr KC at the district hospital, said, “He is in a critical state and we fear this hunger strike might cause irreparable damages to his health.”

According to Dr Kandel, Dr KC's blood pressure is decreasing, there is an increase in his heart beat rate, the oxygen level in his blood is decreasing, and problems have been detected in his kidneys. He added that the hospital lacks required equipment to treat Dr KC.

The hospital where Dr KC is staging hunger strike and receiving treatment is the district hospital of Dadheldhura, which faces resource and manpower crunch. One of the demands of Dr KC was to supply modern health equipment to the hospital and fulfill the required number of health workers.

Organising a press meet in the capital on Monday, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Giriraj Mani Pokharel said that Dr KC should rather help in drafting laws than stage hunger strike.

Pokharel added that the Medical Education Act has already been formed while the medical colleges overcharging the students have been given a 15-day notice to return the additional fees they have charged the medical students. Minister Pokharel argued that the government has fulfilled its part and there is no point for Dr KC to stage hunger strike any longer.