KATHMANDU, Nepal– A day after a CT-Scan report showed a small ‘black spot’ in his lungs, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala publicly revealed that he is a cancer patient.
“I took in cigarettes and chewed tobacco too much when I was young and during my underground political life. Now I am enduring the sufferings it caused,” Prime Minister Koirala told the reporters at Biratnagar Airport.
Koirala who was suffered from tongue cancer 7 years ago had received treatment in America. He also informed that he is going to America soon for the regular check-up.
He said a small ‘black spot’ noticed in his lungs could also be caused by the cigarette and tobacco consumption.
However, Koirala’s public announce of cancer has stunned other leaders well wishers. “As the chief of the government, he shouldn’t have to announce his disease publicly,” an octogenarian leader from Nepali Congress (NC) party said.
However, the Prime Minister is of the opinion that any one should not hide his/her disease. “I am not a man who conceals such disease”, state owned national television quoted PM as saying.
Koirala family and Cancer
Koirala family has long been suffering from cancer. BP Koirala, great figure of modern Nepal and his brother late Girija Prasad Koirala, who served as four time Prime MInister was also suffered from cancer. Just a year ago, Manisha Koirala, a noted Bollywood actress and granddaughter of BP Koirala was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Manisha who had undergone treatment her disease in America says she is now “free” from the disease and calls it her “rebirth”.
Koirala dynasty has played dominant role in Nepalese politics. Many of the family members have remained prominent figures in the Nepali Congress party since the country’s first democratic movement.
Three members, all brothers: Matrika Prasad Koirala, BP Koirala and Girija Koirala– sons of late Krishna Prasad Koirala– have been Prime Minister of Nepal and another family member Sushil Koirala is currently serving in that position.