Govt signs 4-point agreement with Dr KC; KC to end strike today

Kathmandu, July 24: The government has signed a four-point agreement with the agitating Dr Govind KC. With this, Dr KC is likely to quit his fast-unto-death today.

The agreement was signed between the government’s talks team and Dr KC late Sunday night.

As per the agreement, 50 percent cent seats to be arranged free of cost in the government medical college for the medical study would be gradually reached to 75 percent. Similarly, the related bill would have the provision that there would be at least one government medical college in each province.

As per the spirit of the past agreements, no medical, dental and nursing colleges would be awarded affiliation for at least 10 years in the Kathmandu Valley. However, in case of the colleges which have already submitted intention letters seeking affiliation, point no 19 of the agreement made last year (2072 BS) would be implemented.

The National Academy of Medical Science (NAMS) would purchase the physical properties of the Manmohan Teaching Hospital. For the purchase, the government would provide the fund.

Similarly, Co-Chancellor of the Tribhuvan University would direct the Vice-Chancellor to immediately appoint Dean at Institute of Medicine, TU, to implement the past agreements relating to it.

Health Secretary and government talks team coordinator Senendra Raj Uprety signed on behalf of the government while Dr KC signed himself from the agitating side.

The fee structure and the number of seats for the medical education would be implemented in line with the medical education commission as agreed to form in the past.

Moreover, a central entrance exam would be held by addressing the legal provisions in the all existing universities and institutes of health sciences after the related bill is passed, said Mr Uprety, coordinator of the government talks team.

Dr KC had been staging fast-unto-death for 15 days, demanding the reforms in the entire medical education sector. After signing the agreement, Dr KC, however, said, “I don’t quit it now. You will know it tomorrow.”

The talks team was coordinated by Mr Uprety from government side while Dr Ranjan Sapkota from Dr KC’s side. Similarly, former chief secretary Leelamani Poudel and educationist Kedar Bhakta Mathema were facilitating the talks. RSS