Nepal receives cancer drugs from Direct Relief, the assistance believed to be significant in cancer care

Kathmandu, July 13: Kathmandu, July 13: Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has said that essential medicines for cancer treatment will be provided free of cost.     

According to the Minister, the first shipment of 37 types of medicines provided by Direct Relief, an international humanitarian organisation, has already arrived in Nepal.

The organisation had pledged to supply Nepal with these medicines, including those used in cancer treatment, in order to eliminate the need for patients to travel abroad due to the unavailability of such drugs in the country.     

Previously, Minister Paudel had decided that these medicines would be distributed free of charge at government hospitals.     

Speaking at an event held to hand over the medicines dispatched by Direct Relief to the Government of Nepal through One Heart Worldwide today, the Minister stated that the aid will be a significant support for cancer patients, making treatment more accessible within the country.     

The shipment includes medicines for treating breast cancer, skin cancer, and various other types of cancer. This assistance will continue for the next five years, based on Nepal’s needs.     

Minister Paudel highlighted that cancer treatment is often very costly due to the high price of medications, creating a major barrier for underprivileged citizens. He also shared that arrangements have already been made to immediately dispatch the medicines to government cancer hospitals.     

Stating that many citizens are unaware of government health services and insurance options, the Minister called on the media to help raise public awareness.     

Dr. Bhim Sapkota, Head of the Ministry's Coordination Division, said that as per the agreement, Nepal will continue to receive the medicines under this arrangement for the next five years.     

Surya Bhatta, Nepal Representative of One Heart Worldwide, said the obtainment of these medicines was made possible through Minister Paudel’s efforts, calling it a significant achievement for the country.     

According to Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the medicines will be distributed through BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, Sushil Koirala Prakhar Cancer Hospital in Banke, and Bir Hospital in Kathmandu. (RSS)