KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Poudel has announced that essential medicines used in the treatment of cancer will be provided free of charge in government hospitals.
Speaking at a program organized to hand over medical supplies sent by the international charity Direct Relief through One Heart Worldwide, Minister Poudel said that the first batch of 37 types of cancer medicines has already arrived in Nepal.
This initiative aims to end the compulsion of patients to seek expensive treatment abroad due to the unavailability of essential medicines at home.
According to the minister’s secretariat, this achievement follows sustained efforts to ensure that patients no longer need to travel overseas for life-saving cancer medications.
Minister Poudel had earlier made a policy decision to procure such medicines and distribute them free of cost through government health institutions.
Direct Relief has committed to supplying rare and expensive medicines for the treatment of breast cancer, skin cancer, and other forms of the disease based on Nepal’s needs for the next five years.
“Poor citizens are suffering because of the high cost of cancer medicines,” said Minister Poudel. “We are trying to provide relief to many without requiring any investment from the state.”
Although 37 types of medicines are currently being supplied, the government will continue efforts to secure additional essential medications through further assistance, the minister added.
He also stated that arrangements have been made to immediately distribute the medicines to government-run cancer hospitals. Highlighting that many citizens are unaware of the health services and insurance programs provided by the government, Minister Poudel called on the media to help disseminate this information more widely.
Dr. Bhim Sapkota, Chief of the Ministry’s Coordination Division, confirmed that an agreement has been signed to procure cancer medicines as per national requirements for a period of five years.
Surya Bhatta, Nepal representative of One Heart Worldwide, credited Minister Poudel’s special initiative for securing this vital support, calling it a significant achievement for Nepal.
The donated medicines and medical supplies—used for the treatment of breast cancer, plaque psoriasis, Alzheimer’s disease, and other conditions—have been handed over to BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital in Bhaktapur, Sushil Koirala Prakhar Cancer Hospital in Banke, and Bir Hospital in Kathmandu, according to Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki.
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