Dr Govinda KC begins 25th hunger strike in Ilam over medical education reforms

Ilam, October 30, 2026 — Medical education reform campaigner Dr Govinda KC began his 25th hunger strike at Narayan Temple in Ilam on Thursday, accusing the government of failing to address his demands despite an extended deadline.

KC announced that he had started the protest at 5 p.m. on Kartik 12, 2083, saying the government had not responded to the demands within the additional time provided. He warned that the government would be responsible for any adverse consequences arising from the protest.

In a statement, KC raised concerns over the Medical Education Commission's decision to allow MBBS and nursing programmes at Shaheed Dasharath Chand University of Health Sciences in Geta from the current academic session. He alleged that the institution had been permitted to begin programmes without the minimum required infrastructure and academic staff. He also objected to increases in student quotas at various educational institutions.

KC questioned the impartiality of the commission, pointing to the appointment of its current vice-chairman, who had previously served as principal of Nepal Army Medical College, and the subsequent increase in seats at that institution. He also raised concerns about the appointment of the vice-chairman's family member to a committee responsible for determining student quotas and the vacancy in the commission's director position, which carries important responsibilities in seat allocation.

He called for an impartial investigation into the appointment processes, academic qualifications, professional experience and decisions of officials at the commission and universities, citing possible conflicts of interest.