Foreign Drug Company Inspections Halted for Three Years
Summary
Foreign drug company inspections in Nepal have been halted for three years, causing shortages in essential medicines and vaccines. The Department of Drug Management awaits government approval to resume mandatory WHO GMP inspections to ensure medicine quality.
Key Points
- Foreign drug company inspections have not been conducted for the past three years in Nepal.
- The Department of Drug Management has registered about 350 foreign drug companies but has stalled inspections affecting essential medicines supply.
- Shortages of crucial medicines like anti-rabies vaccine and cancer drugs have occurred due to the inspection halt.
- The Ministry of Health and Food Security is working to strengthen drug quality assurance, coordinating with international experts.
