KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 25
The National Human Rights Commission today drew its attention to the deteriorating health of Dr Govinda KC, who has been on his 19th fast-unto-death since September 14.
Armed Police Force personnel stop supporters from entering restricted zone during a protest in support of Dr Govinda KC, the 63-year-old orthopaedic surgeon who, is staging fast-unto-death hunger strike at Teaching Hospital, seeking reforms in the medical sector for the 19th time. Photo/Skanda Gautam
The senior orthopaedic surgeon had launched his hunger strike in Chandannath Municipality-6, of Jumla district before coming to Kathmandu voluntarily, on Tuesday. He has been continuing the peaceful protest at Maharajgunj-based TU Teaching Hospital.
The rights body said it had been monitoring the condition of the ‘medical education reformist’ Dr KC, through its Karnali Province Office right from the days of his hunger strike. “His health condition is stable. Potassium, magnesium and glucose level in his body are gradually dwindling, and frequent hunger strikes have weakened his immunity power. He is now highly susceptible to infection,” read a press release issued by the NHRC.
Nepal Medical Association and various organisations have appealed to the NHRC to take initiative for saving his life, the release added. The rights body urged the government to implement the agreements it had reached with Dr KC earlier, and make all possible efforts to protect his life. It also directed the concerned authorities to make public the implementation status of the past agreements reached with Dr KC.
“We urge the concerned parties to resolve the crisis through talks and appeal Dr KC to shun the extreme form of protest, fast-unto-death, which has put his health at risk,” the release read.
Earlier too, various political parties and organisations had urged the government to hold ‘honest talks’ with the senior orthopaedic surgeon, and meet his demands. They have condemned the government’s apathy to the hunger strike of the activist.
Dr KC has demanded that the government launch MBBS programme at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, expand the coverage of polymerase chain reaction tests for COVID-19, investigate into corruption in health sector and end the ongoing prohibitory orders imposed in different districts by making the use of face mask and physical distancing mandatory in public life.
READ ALSO:
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- Dr Govinda KC transferred to TUTH from Trauma Centre
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