KATHMANDU: Health Minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet, has brought to light concerning practices at Bir Hospital’s medicine shop after an inspection on Thursday.

It was discovered that a significant portion of the hospital’s medications were being diverted to external pharmacies.

Minister Basnet stated that during the inspection, it became evident that two internal medicine shops at Bir Hospital were supplying medicines to external outlets.

The investigation uncovered that medications not available in Bir Hospital’s pharmacy were stocked in the hospital’s storage facility.

In response, Minister Basnet issued a directive to expand the internal pharmacy within Bir Hospital, ensuring the availability of all types of medicines within 15 days.

Additionally, the inspection team mandated the closure of two external drug shops due to violations of established standards.

Ukar Sewa Pharmacy and Satyam Pharmacy, situated outside the hospital premises, were found guilty of stocking expired medicines, selling drugs at inflated prices, and maintaining substandard facilities.

Minister Basnet emphasized the need for immediate action, ordering the sealing of these stores.

Minister Basnet asserted that continuous monitoring of the hospital’s medicine shop will be implemented to facilitate necessary improvements and ensure adherence to healthcare standards.