KATHMANDU: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has initiated a formal investigation into the unauthorized hike in medicine prices, placing Narayan Dhakal, the Director General of the Department of Drug Administration (DDA), under scrutiny.
Following the PMO’s directive on Thursday, the Ministry of Health and Population has recalled Director General Dhakal to the Ministry to facilitate a transparent inquiry. In a letter addressed to the Health Secretary, the PMO has mandated that the investigation be completed and a detailed report submitted within seven days.
The intervention follows a series of complaints filed at the Prime Minister’s Office alleging that drug prices were increased arbitrarily, bypassing the mandatory legal procedures and criteria established by existing laws. Under the Drug Act, any adjustment in medicine prices must follow a rigorous process involving the Drug Price Monitoring Committee and the Advisory Council, followed by Cabinet approval and publication in the Nepal Gazette.
The PMO has specifically instructed the Ministry to investigate the exact process followed for the recent price adjustments, determine whether legal protocols were breached, and identify any irregularities or individuals involved in the decision-making process.
To conduct the probe, the Ministry has been directed to form a three-member investigation committee comprising subject-matter experts. The committee is expected to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the price hikes and recommend action if any administrative misconduct or corruption is uncovered.
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