Gagan Thapa, who has taken reins of the Health Ministry, faces a daunting task to fulfill his commitment to address the demands put forth by Dr Govinda KC.

When Dr KC staged a hunger strike demanding Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority chief Lokman Singh Karki’s impeachment, Thapa was one of the first leaders to visit the doctor to show solidarity. Thapa was also among the three lawmakers to register a proposal of public importance in Parliament, seeking a discussion on the demands raised by Dr Govinda KC.

Addressing the media after assuming his office at Maitighar on Friday, Thapa claimed that it was his moral responsibility to address the orthopedic surgeon’s demands. “I have given special priority to three points which I will implement during my tenure as minister. Along with constitution implementation, I will focus on tabling medical sector laws, building infrastructure and resource collection,” he said.  Thapa also pledged the need for better governance capacity to solve issues 

of malpractices in the health sector.

Minister Thapa believes assuming the office of Health and Population will help him boost the reform envisioned by Dr KC. “I had supported his cause during the street movement even when I was not in the government. Now I will address Dr KC’s demands,” he told the Post, adding that it is his moral responsibility now to see that demands to reform the health sector are addressed. “I will leave no stone unturned. Implementing the report prepared by the Mathema Committee will 

be crucial.”