April 24: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has stated that more investment is necessary to make the country self-reliant in medicines. Inaugurating the 'Nepal Pharma Expo 2022' at the Chitwan Expo Center in Bharatpur on Friday, she emphasized on the need to produce the medicines needed in the country within the country itself. She also highlighted the need to promote commercial farming of medicinal herbs in the country to attain the target.

President Bhandari said, “During the Covid-19 pandemic, we faced the challenge of drug shortage. Which is why, it is necessary to increase investment in drug production and manage the supply chain. To obtain this, emphasis should be given to domestic production of medicinal herbs.” The president stressed that the state should coordinate with the private sector to make the country self-reliant in medicine.

Speaking on the occasion, Shekhar Golchha, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), stated that there are problems in the country in the sectors like import and export, interest of banks and others. He said that the government should bring industry-friendly policy to get rid of the existing problems. Stating that Covid-19 taught a lot to Nepali people, he pointed out the need to make the country self-reliant in medicine as well.

President of Nepal Medical Association Dr. Lochan Karki said that the role of medicine is critical to keep Nepali citizens healthy.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman of the National Planning Commission Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel said that the government is ready to help the pharmaceutical industry. He made such remarks at an interaction program on 'Possibilities and Challenges of Pharmaceutical Production in Nepal' held during the second day of the expo on Saturday.

 “Increase in drug production helps reduce imports. We are ready to help,” he said adding  that it is time to increase the production of export-oriented goods, pointing at the declining foreign exchange reserves of Nepal.

Spokesperson of the Department of Drug Management Santosh KC remarked that foreign investment is also needed to make the country self-reliant in medicine by increasing the production of drugs. He also emphasized on the need to increase the production of essential medicines in Nepal. Speaking on the occasion, former president of the association, Deepak Prasad Dahal said that Nepal is capable of producing quality and essential medicines, and pointed out that the Drugs Act of 2035 BS should be amended.