Clinic sealed in Bajhang for not meeting standards

By Our  Correspondent,Bajhang, Mar. 23: The Sulabh Clinic, located in Jhyota, Kedarsyu Rural Municipality-9 of Bajhang, has been sealed following an inspection led by Assistant Chief District Officer Satyakumari Joshi. The joint inspection team found the clinic non-compliant with technical standards and ordered its immediate closure.

According to the District Administration Office, the clinic had been in operation for the past 27 years without being registered with the Department of Drug Administration.

 Furthermore, it lacked the necessary license to operate a pharmacy, employed no licensed pharmacist, and was found to be stockpiling medicines in excessive quantities. In addition to this, grocery items were being stored alongside medicinal supplies. 

The clinic also displayed poorly managed Ayurvedic and dental materials, which led to the decision to seal the facility, stated Assistant Chief District Officer Joshi.

She further informed that the clinic’s operator has been instructed to submit the required permits and documents within seven days. Failure to comply within this period will result in further legal action.

On the same day, the inspection team also monitored various health institutions, medical shops, and dental clinics in Tamail Bazaar, Bhane, Mauribagar, Jhyota, Bagthala, Bungl Bijgada, and in the Deulek and Sunkuda market areas of Bithadchir Rural Municipality.

During the inspection, several institutions were found to be operating without registration. Expired medicines were being sold, and some outlets were storing restricted drugs. Date-expired medicines worth about Rs. 7,000 were collected and destroyed, reported by the District Administration Office.

In a related move, 23 vehicles were penalised for various violations, including carrying passengers in private vehicles, operating without a driving licence, and charging fares above the prescribed rate. A total of Rs. 44,500 in fines was collected, informed Bajhang District Traffic Office Chief Binod Bista.

The inspection team included Police Inspector Kishor Joshi, Bajhang District Traffic Office Chief Binod Bista, Bajhang District Hospital’s pharmacy assistant Tilak Pujara, and senior enterprise development facilitator Dasharath Jabrel from the Office of Cottage and Small Industries.