Cancer medicine shortage hits country's largest cancer hospital

Chitwan, May 27: The country's largest cancer treatment facility, BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Chitwan district, is facing a severe shortage of key chemotherapy drugs, including Carboplatin and Cisplatin, due to a global supply disruption.

Dr Guru Sharan Sah, Head of the Hospital's Medical Oncology Department, said the shortage is affecting cancer treatment plans and warned that it could reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy for patients.

Dr Sah attributed the crisis to a worldwide shortage of active pharmaceutical ingredient used to manufacture the drugs.

The Hospital treats around 200 chemotherapy patients daily, and doctors say the missing medicines cannot be easily replaced with alternative drugs.

Hospital authorities warned that treatment outcomes and recovery rates could be affected if supplies are not restored soon.

According to Hospital officials, stocks of the chemotherapy drug Cisplatin were exhausted months ago, while supplies of Carboplatin ran out earlier this month, raising concerns among both medical professionals and patients.

According to Dr Umesh Nepal, Officiating Executive Director of the Hospital, authorities have informed the Ministry of Health and Population and sought assistance through international channels, including the World Health Organization. 

The Hospital is also expecting limited new imports from Bangladesh in the coming months.

Doctors have also raised concerns about patients obtaining medicines through unofficial channels, warning that improperly stored or unregistered drugs may pose serious health risks.  (RSS)