Medical education advocate Dr. Govinda KC has ended his 25th hunger strike after reaching a six-point agreement with the Nepal government.
Following extensive negotiations, Education, Science and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel visited Dr. KC at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) and officially concluded the hunger strike by giving him juice.
This agreement addresses various issues Dr. KC has raised regarding medical education standards, MBBS seat allocations, university appointments, and the implementation of prior government commitments.
“This is a significant step forward, and we are hopeful this will be the last hunger strike for Dr. KC,” stated Minister Pokharel.
Investigation into MBBS Seat Allocation
Key points of the agreement include an investigation into the increase of MBBS seats at the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences (Army Medical College).
A five-member committee, led by Professor Dr. Ramesh Prasad Acharya, will determine if the increase in MBBS seats adhered to medical education standards. The committee will report its findings to the government.
The agreement also approves MBBS programs at Shahid Dasharath Chand University of Health Sciences, allowing the university to set student intake numbers based on decisions made by the Medical Education Commission by October 16, 2026.
Student allocations following common entrance exams will occur after the committee’s recommendations are implemented. If standards are found lacking, officials from the Medical Education Commission and universities may face consequences.
Amendments to Geta University Law within Two Weeks
A crucial aspect of the agreement is the amendment of the Shahid Dasharath Chand University of Health Sciences Act 2082.
The government will revise qualifications and appointment processes for university officials, beginning the ordinance creation within two weeks. Dr. KC’s recommendations regarding these appointments will be included.
New officials will be appointed once the ordinance is enacted, improving university governance and transparency.
Government Will Implement Previous Agreements
The government has committed to fulfilling all remaining points from the agreement reached during Dr. KC’s 24th hunger strike on July 27, 2026.
Dr. KC has consistently voiced concerns about the government’s failure to honor prior commitments. This new agreement will establish a monitoring team to oversee implementation, comprising representatives from both parties, including Education and Sports Ministry Chief Adviser Shailendra Jha and Dr. KC’s representatives.
The monitoring team will convene monthly.
Government Will Open More Medical Colleges
The agreement includes promises to enhance public medical education outside major cities.
The government will expedite budget and infrastructure development for establishing medical colleges or health science academies in Dadeldhura, Ilam, and Udayapur, as well as a medical college in Bardibas. This aims to increase access to medical education and healthcare nationwide.
Establishing medical colleges in less urbanized areas has been a central demand of Dr. KC’s advocacy.
Six Points of Agreement
The six-point agreement between Dr. Govinda KC and the government includes:
- MBBS Program Approval and Investigation: The Medical Education Commission’s decision regarding Shahid Dasharath Chand University will be implemented. A committee will investigate MBBS seat increases at Army Medical College.
- University Law Amendments: An ordinance will be drafted within two weeks to modify qualifications and appointments of officials at Shahid Dasharath Chand University.
- Implementation of Previous Commitments: All outstanding points from the previous agreement will be enacted.
- Monitoring Team: A joint team will be formed between the government and Dr. KC’s representatives, including lawmaker Pukar Bam and Nepal Medical Association President Dr. Badri Rijal, meeting monthly.
- Expansion of Public Medical Education: Development will accelerate for medical colleges in Dadeldhura, Ilam, and Udayapur, with a medical college also planned for Bardibas.
- End of Protest: Dr. Govinda KC will cease all protest activities starting November 7, 2026.
Dr. KC initiated his 25th hunger strike in Ilam on October 28, 2026, advocating for medical education standards, MBBS seat allocations, and university governance.
His protest primarily focused on decisions related to Shahid Dasharath Chand University and the increase of MBBS seats at Army Medical College.
After negotiations, a six-point agreement was signed by Minister Pokharel and Dr. KC, with Prime Minister’s Health Adviser Professor Dr. Jagadish Agrawal and others as witnesses.
Dr. KC has announced he will conclude all protest activities, but the effectiveness of the agreement will depend on the government’s timely implementation of commitments.