High-level monitoring committee formed to reform the pharmaceutical industry

Kathmandu- Health and Population Minister Pradeep Yadav has formed a high-level monitoring committee for pharmaceutical industry reforms. The committee has been formed to address the problems surfaced in the quality and operation of the Nepali pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceutical wholesalers and pharmacies. The main objective of the committee is to identify the problems in the production, sales, distribution, export, import and storage process by conducting on-site inspection of pharmaceutical industries, wholesalers and pharmacies in Birgunj and Itahari.

The committee was formed to ensure whether the Medicines Act, 2035 and other prevailing laws were enforced or not, it is said. It is mandated that the committee will monitor the adherence to quality standards in drug production, drug efficacy and safety. The committee will also examine whether the drug wholesaler sells or distributes drugs of the prescribed quality. Dr. Bikas Devkota, Additional Health Secretary of the Ministry, has been as appointed as the coordinator of the committee. Similarly, Dr. Gunanidhi Sharma, senior health administrator of the ministry, has been appointed as member secretary of the committee.

The members are Narayan Dhakal, Director General of Drug Administration Department, Sangita Sah, Senior Drug Manager of National Pharmaceutical Laboratory, representative of Nepal Pharmacy Council, authorized representative of district administration office of the respective districts and head of the branch office of the Department of Drug Administration in the respective area. The committee will have to submit its report by 15 days to the Ministry.

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