KATHMANDU, May 11: Nepal Aushadhi Limited is preparing to launch production of three medicines soon, with drugs used for high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol already in the final stage of preparation. The state-owned company said it is working toward producing a total of 37 different medicines.
Among them, Atorvastatin used for cholesterol control is currently in the process of obtaining approval from the Department of Drug Administration (DDA).
Similarly, Metformin 500 mg and 850 mg for diabetes and Amlodipine 2.5 mg and 5 mg for hypertension are under research and development, according to the company.
“We are moving ahead with a plan to bring three medicines into use within the next fiscal year,” said Dinesh Prasad Bhattarai, information officer at Nepal Aushadhi Limited.
The company said eight types of medicines are currently under research and development, while some products will reach the market within a year after receiving required permits from the drug regulatory authority.
Nepal Aushadhi Limited produces three more medicines
Other medicines expected to be produced soon include Aspirin 75 mg, Albendazole 400 mg tablets, Aluminium Hydroxide Gel 500 mg, Amitriptyline 10 mg and 25 mg, Amlodipine 5 mg, and Azithromycin 250 mg and 500 mg.
Additional medicines under production include Carbamazepine, Cetirizine 10 mg, Activated Charcoal 10 g, Chloroquine 150 mg, Ciprofloxacin 500 mg, Cotrimoxazole 400/80 mg, Diazepam 5 mg, Diclofenac Sodium 50 mg and 60 mg, Ferrous Sulphate with Folic Acid, Folic Acid 5 mg, Furosemide, Glimepiride, Hyoscine Butylbromide, Buprenorphine, Losartan, Metformin, Methyldopa, Nifedipine, Nitrofurantoin, Oral Rehydration Salt, Ranitidine, Risperidone, Sodium Valproate, Vitamin B Complex, and Zinc Sulphate.
According to Bhattarai, they have held discussions with Prime Minister Balen Shah and government experts from the industry and health sectors to promote domestic pharmaceutical production and ensure consumption through government health institutions.
Officials say interest from Prime Minister Shah is also linked to the fact that his father, Ramnarayan Shah, previously served as a general manager of the company.
Following these meetings, officials have been directed to focus on producing essential medicines listed among the 98 drugs provided free through government health institutions. The company has received necessary budget allocations, and proposals related to funding and human resources have been forwarded to the Ministry of Finance.
Quality Assurance In-charge Heena Shrestha said producing basic medicines domestically will reduce imports, ensure affordable pricing, and maintain quality standards.
“The market demand will be met, and at the same time our production will not compromise on quality,” she said.
Under the latest government decision, medicines produced by the company will be distributed both in the open market and through government health facilities, with direct government procurement planned.
“The government itself has asked us to produce essential medicines for its distribution system, so we have moved forward accordingly,” said Bhattarai.
Established in 2029 BS, the company used to produce over 100 types of medicines before closing in 2064 BS and resuming operations in 2074 BS.
Officials said delays in meeting Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards have slowed production over the years. They added that without additional infrastructure and manpower, expected output cannot be achieved.
The company believes production can increase if budget and staffing needs are addressed. It currently produces medicines including hemodialysis drugs, paracetamol, folic acid, life-saving oral solutions, and glycerin.
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