Gagan Thapa, a lawmaker from the Nepali Congress, on Thursday registered a proposal of public importance in Parliament, seeking to hold discussion on the demands raised by Dr Govinda KC.

Dr KC, an orthopaedic surgeon at TU Teaching Hospital, has been on a hunger strike for the last 12 days on the hospital premises demanding reforms in the medical education sector, implementation of past agreements and impeachment of Lok Man Singh Karki, chief commissioner of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority.

The proposal by Thapa, along with Shyam Shrestha, a lawmaker of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and Dhan Raj Gurung, also an NC lawmaker, comes amid public outcry over

continued silence of lawmakers on the demands raised by Dr KC.

“Parliament often tends to hold discussions on even trivial issues when they appear in the media. This issue [Dr KC’s demands] is much bigger and deserves Parliament’s special attention,” said Thapa.

In the proposal, the three lawmakers have argued that Parliament should not remain silent amid allegations that a constitutional body, which is mandated to curb graft, is promoting corruption in the medical education sector.

The anti-graft body has been accused of going beyond its jurisdiction when it took over the post-graduate entrance test of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences.

They have also alleged that the government showed apathy towards implementation of Health Professional Education Policy, which has recommended measures to improve the medical education sector in the country.

The proposal means Dr KC’s demands could enter Parliament.

Health deteriorates

KATHMANDU: Health condition Dr Govinda KC, whose hunger strike entered the 12th day on Thursday, has deteriorated further. A team of doctors that is monitoring Dr KC’s health said the surgeon is having dizziness, headache, chest pain, muscle cramps and severe body ache. “He many need emergency medical management anytime His blood pressure is low,” says a health bulletin. (PR)

Silent protest held

KATHMANDU: Hundreds of people on Thursday braved a heavy downpour  to  stage a “silent protest” in New Baneshwor in support of Dr Govinda KC. Students and people from different walks of life participated in the protest with their mouths covered with a black cloth. “I am a lawmaker… my silence has encouraged irregularities,” read one of the placards held by demonstrators. (PR)