Pharmaceutical industry strives for self-reliance and export expansion: Health Minister

Kathmandu, March 12: Health and Population Minister Dr. Sudha Gautam has underscored the importance of Nepal's pharmaceutical industry achieving self-reliance while also exploring export potential.     

At the inauguration of the 10th Nepal Pharma Expo, organized by the Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal (APPON), here today, Minister Dr. Gautam pointed out 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 she assured that steps to implement these enhancements are already in progress. Minister Gautam also highlighted the need to increase pharmaceutical production domestically. Currently, the Nepali market offers 24,000 different types of medicines, but the testing capacity is limited to around 640 types each year, she explained.     

Health Secretary Dr. Bikash Devkota remarked 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 utilize services related to medicines under the health insurance programme.     

FNCCI Chairman Chandra Prasad Dhakal emphasized the necessity for a clear government policy to foster domestic production in the pharmaceutical sector. Nepal Medical Association President Dr. Anil Bikram Karki stated that the health insurance programme and hospital pharmacies should give priority to domestic medicines. He also indicated that supporting the local medicine industry is crucial for strengthening the health system.     

President of Nepal Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Biplav Adhikari, has announced that the expo will feature over 200 stalls. This event is set to continue until the following Saturday.(RSS)