The Path to Affordable Healthcare: Evaluating Nepal's 'Sulav Pharmacy' Initiative
Summary
Nepal plans to launch the 'Sulav Pharmacy' initiative to provide affordable quality medicines in government health facilities, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and improve access nationwide.
Key Points
- Nepal's constitution guarantees health as a fundamental right, mandating affordable and quality healthcare.
- The 'Sulav Pharmacy' initiative aims to provide low-cost generic medicines in government hospitals, modeled after successful programs in India and Sri Lanka.
- Key challenges include current procurement laws favoring lowest bids, weak regulatory capacity, and resistance from doctors and traders.
- The government intends to pilot the program in high-density areas, reform procurement processes, and improve drug storage to ensure successful implementation.
