Dr Govinda KC, a senior orthopaedic surgeon and activist known for his long-running campaign to reform Nepal's medical education and healthcare sectors, is set to begin his 24th hunger strike in Dhangadhi, Kailali, on Thursday.

Dr KC said he would begin the indefinite fast at 3 pm at the Krishna Temple Dharamshala (a pilgrim rest house) in Dhangadhi, accusing the government of ignoring past agreements and failing to address his longstanding demands.

According to his aide, Dr Amrit Jaisi, the government took no steps to respond even after the deadline of July 21 that Dr KC had set for fulfilling his demands, leaving him with no option but to resume his protest.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Dr KC said the current government would bear full responsibility for any serious consequences arising from what he described as its indifference. He said he had once again been compelled to launch a hunger strike to defend citizens' right to healthcare and ensure quality medical education.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Dr KC said the current government would bear full responsibility for any serious consequences arising from what he described as its indifference. He said he had once again been compelled to launch a hunger strike to defend citizens' right to healthcare and ensure quality medical education.

Demands

This time, Dr KC has placed political interference in appointments and conflicts of interest at the centre of his protest.

He has demanded the immediate revocation of what he described as illegal and conflict-ridden appointments made in violation of established procedures at the Martyr Dasharath Chand University of Health Science and the Medical Education Commission. He has also called for amendments to disputed provisions of the relevant laws governing those institutions.

Dr KC has further demanded an immediate halt to proposals aiming to cut student scholarships through the Medical Education Commission and increase student intake at private medical colleges that fail to meet the required standards.

He has reiterated his longstanding demand that medical education be made entirely non-profit in line with the spirit of the National Medical Education Act, 2018. He has also called on the government to faithfully implement all written agreements it has signed with him over the years.

Highlighting the situation in Sudurpashchim Province and Nepal's border regions, Dr KC said people should no longer be forced to depend on neighbouring India for healthcare, education and employment. He urged the government to expand quality public services and infrastructure within Nepal so that citizens can access essential services at home and preserve what he described as their national dignity.

Beyond healthcare and medical education, Dr KC has also raised broader governance and accountability issues. He has demanded stringent action against those responsible for the murders and robberies that took place in Gen Z protests of last September while calling for justice and good governance.

He has also called for impartial investigations into corruption and criminal offences allegedly committed by politicians and public officials who have held high office since the 1990 People's Movement, and has demanded legal action against those found guilty.