At 10th Nepal Pharma Expo, health minister urges Nepal's pharma industry to pursue self-reliance, exports

KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population Dr Sudha Gautam has underscored the importance of Nepal's pharmaceutical industry achieving self-reliance while also exploring export potential.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 10th Nepal Pharma Expo, organised by the Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal (APPON), in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu today, Minister Gautam said that with joint efforts from the government, private sector and various stakeholders, Nepal's pharmaceutical sector can evolve into a self-sufficient and export-driven industry.

She noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has suggested improvements to Nepal's pharmaceutical regulatory framework and assured that steps to implement these enhancements are already in progress. Minister Gautam also highlighted the need to increase domestic pharmaceutical production.

Currently, the Nepali market offers 24,000 different types of medicines, but testing capacity is limited to around 640 types each year, she explained.

Health Secretary Dr Bikash Devkota said that boosting local medicine production, ensuring medicine availability and achieving self-reliance in pharmaceuticals are key objectives of the government's policy. Dr Devkota added that most individuals utilise services related to medicines under the health insurance programme.

On the occasion, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal emphasised the necessity for a clear government policy to foster domestic production in the pharmaceutical sector. Nepal Medical Association President Dr Anil Karki said that the health insurance programme and hospital pharmacies should give priority to domestic medicines and indicated that supporting the local medicine industry is crucial for strengthening the health system.

APPON President Biplab Adhikari has announced that the expo will feature over 200 stalls. The event is set to continue until the following Saturday.

By RSS