KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City officials have revealed that 118 pharmacies operating within the KMC jurisdiction are failing to meet basic standards.

The KMC Health Department initiated monitoring of pharmacies starting October 8, 2023.

During the inspections conducted in wards 1, 2, 3, and others, it was discovered that these pharmacies were not adhering to fundamental standards.

Acting Chief of the KMC Health Department, Sajina Maharjan, reported that during one such inspection at Mission Pharmacy in KMC-14, authorities seized three packets of anti-rabies vaccines, nine pieces of TT vaccine, and three pieces of insulin.

A concerning trend emerged as most pharmacies were found to neglect maintaining the required temperature in their vaccine storage rooms. Maharjan emphasized that such negligence poses serious risks to public health.

Upon learning of the monitoring findings, KMC Deputy Mayor and Monitoring Committee Coordinator, Sunita Dangol, emphasized that leniency cannot be extended to such pharmacies.

In November 2023, KMC issued a public notice urging pharmacies within its jurisdiction to comply with existing regulations. The monitoring initiative was launched after pharmacies were found to be disregarding this directive.

Currently, a total of 2,600 medical shops are operating within the Kathmandu Metropolitan City.