Prime Minister Instructs NDL to Rapidly Produce 20 Generic Medicines

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has urged Nepal Drugs Limited (NDL) to kickstart the production of 20 essential generic medicines. During a meeting with NDL officials, including Chairperson Yagya Neupane, at his office, the Prime Minister lauded the company’s previous efforts in medicine production and emphasized the need for a renewed approach.

Expressing his commitment to supporting the pharmaceutical sector, Prime Minister Dahal instructed NDL to overcome any obstacles hindering its progress. He acknowledged that although the company had performed well in the past, recent challenges needed to be addressed promptly.

“The Nepal Drugs Limited had done a good job in the production of medicines in the past. I understand that there were some obstructions in the meantime. I called this meeting with the thinking that the task of drug manufacturing should be expedited in a new manner. You start the work; I am ready to provide whatever support that is required of the government for the same,” said PM Dahal.

During the meeting, PM Dahal stressed the immediate initiation of the production of 20 generic medicines and urged NDL to focus on improving both the quality and quantity of their output in the future. He highlighted the pharmaceutical sector as a potential driver for the country’s prosperity.

“This is also one of the potential sectors for making the country prosperous. All things cannot be done at once. You, please, start work. I too will hold more discussions with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industry. Let us carry out works in this sector in a way the people will get a feel of this,” added PM Dahal.

Chairman Neupane informed that NDL is currently producing 10 generic medicines, and efforts are underway to immediately manufacture 20 more. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the company in recent times, citing outstanding liabilities as a hindrance to effective operations.

Neupane expressed his commitment to making the production process more systematic and regular. He outlined plans to manage technical workforce, enhance machine quality, and procure new machinery to streamline operations.

The directive from Prime Minister Dahal signals a renewed focus on the pharmaceutical sector, underscoring its importance for national development and public health.