KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has directed all hospitals within its jurisdiction to operate their own pharmacies within 15 days.

The metropolis issued a notice on Wednesday, making it mandatory for all hospitals in the area to establish and operate their own pharmacies.

According to KMC, most hospitals currently do not operate their own pharmacies, instead allowing third parties to manage them.

This practice has been identified as a reason for the substandard quality of services provided to customers.

The metropolis has reported that these third-party pharmacies often sell medicines at higher prices.

In addition to the new directives, KMC has also reinstated an order from the apex court, which mandates that hospitals must run their own pharmacies.

Read the notice issued by the metropolis here: