Following the demonstration at the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan, students have initiated a hunger strike in response to the disruption of their academic pursuits. Their primary objectives include upholding their constitutional right to education and advocating for an immediate resumption of classes. The students have sustained a 24-hour hunger strike as part of an ongoing movement titled 'Students' Will, Autonomous Medical Education,' which underscores the need for undisrupted academic and examination activities at full capacity.
Despite the critical nature of medical education's connection to human health, Dr. Om Shanti Rajak, the president of the Student Welfare Society dedicated to institution-affiliated students, disclosed a lack of response to the students' demands from any quarter. Over the past 25 days, the institution's teachers, staff, and doctors have persistently sought an increase in allowances, impacting both health services and educational programs. Dr. Rajak stressed that should the adverse effects on students' studies and exams persist, the hunger strike will endure as a means to bring attention to the matter.
Despite prolonged engagement in protests by the institution's teachers, staff, and doctors, their demands remain unaddressed. In Kartik 2080, following a month-long protest that disrupted the health and educational activities of the institution, talks took place between the institution's administration and political party protestors in Dharan on Kartik 20th. Unfortunately, no revisions to the regulations have occurred due to the institution's lack of proactive measures.
The protest initially concluded with an agreement to initiate the promotion process from Poush 2, following consultations with the Public Service Commission. However, teachers, staff, and doctors resumed protesting, asserting that the process was not aligning with the agreed-upon terms, thereby impacting teaching and health services.
Despite repeated directives from the Public Service Commission to proceed with the appointment and promotion process by amending the establishment's regulations in accordance with the law, the institution's sluggishness has hindered any amendments to the regulations.
The Biratnagar High Court has issued an order not to proceed with the promotion process without the presence of the Public Service Commission. Protesting teachers and employees are urging an immediate initiation of the promotion process.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has previously instructed Vice-Chancellor and Health Minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet to address the institution's issues.
In response, Health Minister Basnet has called on Prof. Dr. Prahlad Karki, the Permanent Vice-Chancellor of the Institute, to convene a Board of Directors (Senate) meeting to resolve the issues. Despite attempts to hold an Executive Committee meeting, the protestors persist in their demand for a guarantee of an expedited promotion process.
