DHANGADHI: Medical education reform activist Dr. Govinda KC has begun a hunger strike at Geta Medical College in Dhangadhi, protesting the government’s decision to increase MBBS seats in private colleges.

On Sunday afternoon, Dr. KC held a press conference at Geta Medical College announcing the start of his ‘satyagraha’ (civil resistance).

He said the recent move by the Medical Education Commission, which in its 21st meeting raised MBBS seats by 1,359 to a total of 2,635, and BDS seats to 625, was against the spirit of education reform.

Dr. KC has long demanded that additional seats be allocated to government colleges instead of private institutions.

He accused the government of favoring private medical college operators for financial gains, stating, “The Prime Minister himself is leading the effort to benefit private college owners. Increasing seats in this manner risks lowering the quality of medical education in Nepal.”

Before 2015, private medical colleges were notorious for arbitrary fee hikes and irregular seat distribution.

The merit system was often ignored, giving admission to students who could afford high fees.

To end such malpractice, Dr. KC repeatedly staged hunger strikes demanding reforms.

His efforts pressured the government to pass the Medical Education Act and establish the Medical Education Commission.

Now, with the latest decision to increase seats in private institutions, Dr. KC has once again resorted to satyagraha, calling for its immediate reversal.