Health Minister vows availability of basic drug at minimum prices

Kathmandu / Oct 27: Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel has said the government is committed to ensuring the availability of essential medicines for citizens at minimal prices.

In a meeting with the committee tasked with recommending appropriate medicine pricing, he acknowledged that while drug prices have not been adjusted for some time, an immediate increase is not necessary.

The Minister said that any price adjustments will be made to ensure that citizens can access medicines affordably, while also allowing drug producers and suppliers to maintain reasonable profits. He added that medical expenses have pushed approximately 500,000 citizens below the poverty line, a situation that needs urgent attention.

During the unveiling of the government’s progress report for its first 100 days last Thursday, the Minister announced plans to reduce drug prices. The committee formed just two days prior under the leadership of economist Dr. Poshraj Pandey, is expected to provide evidence-based recommendations for price adjustments. RSS