KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Food Safety has directed concerned authorities to ensure the smooth supply and management of essential medicines, including cancer drugs that have recently faced shortages in the market.
During a monitoring visit to the Department of Drug Administration, Minister Mehta instructed officials to take necessary measures to ensure that patients do not face difficulties in accessing medicines they need.
She also directed the department to conduct on-site inspections of companies that have applied for permits to supply and distribute medicines but have not yet received approval, and to expedite the licensing process where appropriate.
The minister expressed the government’s commitment to strengthening the department’s regulatory capacity and pledged necessary support to enhance its effectiveness. She requested the department to promptly submit details of the resources and manpower required for its immediate improvement.
Likewise, Minister Mehta instructed relevant agencies to prioritize quality testing and proper management of medicines distributed free of charge by the government, as well as those provided under the national health insurance program.
During the visit, Acting Director General Shivani Khadgi briefed the minister on the department’s activities, ongoing challenges, and progress made so far.
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