Resident docs halt OPD services at TUTH

KATHMANDU, Sep 27: Extending their solidarity with Dr Govinda KC, who is on fast-unto-death for the last nine days demanding reforms in the medical education sector, resident doctors at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) stopped their services at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of the hospital from Sunday for an "indefinite period".

This is the seventh time Dr KC has staged hunger strike with the same demand. Dr Suman Acharya at the TUTH said that all resident doctors halted their services expressing solidarity with Dr KC from Sunday and they will not resume their services until Dr KC's demands are addressed."We will continue to halt our services until the government addresses Dr K.C's demand," said Acharya. "We will also announce other forms of protests soon to exert pressure on the government."

Patients have been directly affected as around 150 resident doctors have halted their services from Sunday. However, other faculty doctors have been continuing their services.

In the meantime, the doctors involved in treating Dr KC's treatment have said his condition is worsening.

Acharya, on behalf of Dr KC, said he is experiencing dizziness since early Sunday morning.

"Dr KC's heartbeat and pulse rate are fluctuating. His blood pressure is also not stable," he informed. He is not planning to end his strike until the government vows to implement the past promises.

Dr KC resorted to seventh hunger strike after the government failed to form an Educational Commission headed by the prime minister. The government formed a commission but appointed eduction minister as the chairperson. Dr KC had ended his sixth fast after signing an 11-point agreement with the government which ensured to implement the report of the Mathema taskforce.

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