Nepal Plans Domestic Production of 36 Essential Medicines

Nepal is moving to expand domestic pharmaceutical production, with plans to manufacture 36 essential medicines through the state-owned Nepal Drug Limited within the next two years.

The Ministry of Health and Food Safety said it is advancing an agreement with Nepal Drug Limited to strengthen local medicine production and reduce dependence on imports.

Nepal Drug Limited currently produces 11 types of essential medicines.

The government plans to add medicines for chronic conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes, in the next phase.

The ministry said research and development, quality testing, production approvals and technical preparations will be accelerated to support the expansion.

It added that all medicines produced by Nepal Drug Limited will be required to meet national and international quality standards.

The government says the initiative is aimed at promoting the domestic pharmaceutical sector, improving medicine self-reliance, reducing import dependence and ensuring regular access to affordable essential medicines.