KATHMANDU: Senior orthopedic surgeon Dr Govinda KC has urged the government to immediately halt the selection process of vice chairperson of Medical Education Commission (MEC).

Issuing a press statement on Thursday, Dr KC, who has staged a series of hunger strikes demanding reforms in medical education, stated that the government halt the selection process of MEC vice chairperson.

He further advised the government to create environment conducive for the officials to work independently without political intervention.

Similarly, KC, in the statement, has also demanded with the government to withdraw Media Council Bill that intends to gag the press freedom.

Meanwhile, KC has warned of stringent protests ahead if the deserving candidate were not appointed for the post.

With the 15-day deadline ended on Monday, the government has received five applications for the post of vice-chairperson of the MEC.

On June 24, the government had announced a vacancy calling for qualified and interested candidates to apply for the post.