DHANGADHI : A high-level government delegation arrived in Dhangadhi on Sunday to initiate formal talks with senior orthopedic surgeon and medical reform activist Dr. Govinda KC, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike.

The negotiating team includes Dr. JP Agrawal, health advisor to Prime Minister Balendra Shah; Dr. Bikash Devkota, Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene; and Chudamani Paudel, Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

The deployment of officials follows a preliminary phone call on Friday between Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel and Dr. KC aimed at establishing a dialogue to resolve the standoff.

Meanwhile, Dr. KC was admitted to Seti Provincial Hospital on Saturday after his health condition began to deteriorate.

Dr. KC launched his hunger strike at the Krishna Temple Dharmashala following a press conference on July 23. The activist physician had initially presented the government with a list of demands, setting a July 21 deadline for implementation.

On July 17, Dr. KC issued a three-point ultimatum urging the government to reverse recent controversial appointments, withdraw proposals aimed at reducing medical scholarships and expanding seats in under-equipped private medical colleges, and strictly enforce the non-profit provisions established under the National Medical Education Act.

According to Dr. KC, he resumed his satyagraha (peaceful protest) after the government failed to address the issues within the stipulated timeframe.

Government representatives maintain they are seeking a mutually agreeable resolution through ongoing discussions.