KATHMANDU, June 6: Minister for Health and Food Safety, Nisha Mehta, has directed authorities to immediately ensure smooth supply and management of medicines, especially those currently facing shortages in the market, including cancer drugs.
Following an inspection at the Department of Drug Administration (DDA), Minister Mehta instructed officials to prevent any disruption in the supply of essential medicines and to strengthen the overall distribution system.
Cancer medicine shortage hits country's largest cancer hospital
She also urged the department to expedite the approval process for pharmaceutical companies that have already applied for licenses to import and distribute medicines but are still awaiting clearance. The minister further directed officials to carry out on-site inspections of such companies and move forward approval processes without unnecessary delay.
Emphasizing institutional efficiency, Mehta expressed the government’s commitment to strengthening the regulatory capacity of the department. She asked officials to promptly submit details on required resources, manpower, and infrastructure needed to improve service delivery.
The minister also stressed strict quality assurance measures, instructing authorities to prioritize testing of medicines distributed free of cost by the government, as well as those supplied under the national health insurance scheme.
During the briefing, Acting Director General Shiwani Khadgi updated the minister on the department’s ongoing operations and challenges.
