Kathmandu – Dr. Govinda KC, who began a hunger strike at Geta Medical College in Kailali on Sunday demanding reforms in medical education, is reportedly in a critical health condition, according to his associates.

Dr. Amrit Jaisi, one of his colleagues, said that tests conducted on Tuesday showed that Dr. KC’s heart rate and blood sugar level were extremely low. “His health is gradually deteriorating. He is experiencing muscle pain and body weakness. Despite medical advice, he has refused further treatment and intends to continue his hunger strike,” Dr. Jaisi said.

Dr. KC started the protest to oppose the increase in MBBS seats in private medical colleges and other recent decisions. The Medical Education Commission, in its meeting on 30th Shrawan, had approved increasing MBBS seats in private medical colleges to 130. Dr. KC argues that allocating seats to private colleges that do not meet necessary standards will reduce educational quality and negatively affect healthcare services.

Dr. KC said, “Increasing seats in private medical colleges fills the pockets of politicians and profiteers but lowers the quality of education. Reduced quality directly affects healthcare, which is a matter of public health safety.”

During the protest, Dr. KC has demanded the reversal of the private medical college seat increase, the establishment of government medical colleges and hospitals in Ilam, Udayapur, and Dadeldhura, and the immediate operation of the teaching hospital and academic programs already constructed in Geta, Kailali.

He has also urged the implementation of previous agreements, including the Integrated Institutions Act, Higher Education Act, provisions for non-profit medical education, and staffing regulations.