KOIRALA’S HEALTH
Issue Of Concern
Ill health of the prime minister Koirala is a matter of gravest concern coming as it does at a crucial period of country’s history
By A CORRESPONDENT
At the last leg of his six-decades-long political carrier, Prime Minister Girija Koirala is a consensus leader leading not only a coalition government of seven parties but also gaining the confidence of rebel Maoists.
At this juncture, there appears no second generation leaders in any parties that can win broad support and acceptance from all sections and power centers other than Koirala. It is obvious that Koirala’s presence is of crucial significance as the country passes through delicate transition.
It is, therefore, a news of great concern that the health of Koirala has deteriorated. On Monday night Koirala was rushed to Gangalal Heart Center in Bansbari after doctors detected a patch of pneumonia in his lungs. He has been kept at Intensive Care Unit. And his condition is said to be stable.
“In the evening I got the information that PM suffered from bout of weakness. In course of examination, I found there was a patch of pneumonia in his lungs,” said Dr. Madhu Ghimire, private physician of PM Koirala, told reporters on Monday. “After consultations, we thought it appropriate to take him to the hospital where he is kept at ICU so that he can receive maximum attention,” said Dr. Ghimire, adding that his condition was “stable.” He said that PM Koirala would have to be kept at the hospital for at least two days.
The sudden deterioration of Koirala’s health followed his ten-day trip to Bangkok where he had undergone a laser prostate surgery and successfully recovered.
On Monday, Koirala had chaired the cabinet meeting that had made some crucial decisions. It approved government’s policies and programs for the fiscal year 2006/07. The policies and programs were scheduled to be presented at the parliament by the Prime Minister.
The cabinet also decided to scrap the national holiday on the occasion of the King’s birthday on Asar 23. From now onwards, only the employees at the Royal Palace would get holiday on the King’s birthday.
Likewise, the cabinet has also decided to revoke the system of unified command and has recalled 3700 police personnel currently deputed to work with the Nepalese Army under the unified command.
The health condition of Koirala in the coming days would determine the pace at which the peace process would go through. Reports had said that a second summit meeting between him and Maoist chairman Prachanda was being planned.
After he was rushed to the hospital, many senior ministers, leaders and officials visited him there. From deputy prime minister K.P. Oli to Nepali Congress vice president Sushil Koirala and from senior government officials to chiefs of Nepalese Army and Police, all went to see him on Monday night itself.
After having led the successful People’s Movement II, Koirala is now shouldering the responsibility of steering the nation through the current difficult transition. Will his health permit him to successfully manage this transition remains to be seen.
Dr. Mahat Calls For Aid From Donors
Finance Minister Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat has urged the donor community to come forth with financial assistance in view of the forthcoming budget. Speaking at an interaction program held by Management Development Center to discuss about the forthcoming budget, Dr. Mahat said the foreign assistance is required for the purpose of rehabilitation of Maoist militia and conflict victims.
He said that the government would announce such rehab program with small seed money from internal resources through the budget. He also urged donors to come forward with flexible attitude since the country was passing through big change.
Addressing the program, Kenichi Ohashi, country director of World Bank, said that the coming budget was going to be the “most important budget in the modern history of Nepal.” He said the current government had a big responsibility of showing the efficiency of the state.
Dr. Narayan Khadka, former vice chairman of National Planning Commission (NPC), said the budget should direct the future course of the country. Likewise, Dr. Bimal Koirala, former chief secretary, urged the donors not to push the country for difficult structural reforms at this crucial period. He said there was a need to increase direct fiscal transfer from center to local bodies from the existing level of 6 to 9 percent.
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