Free stroke medication arrives in Nepal through direct relief charity
The Ministry of Health and Population's spokesperson, Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, confirmed that expensive and rare medication for stroke patients has arrived in the country.
KATHMANDU: A charitable donation from the American organization Direct Relief has provided free medication for stroke patients in Nepal.
The Ministry of Health and Population’s spokesperson, Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, confirmed that expensive and rare medication for stroke patients has arrived in the country.
Direct Relief has sent 800 vials of “Alteplase Recombinant 20mg,” a critical medicine for stroke treatment. According to Dr. Budhathoki, the Ministry will distribute the medication according to a set of established guidelines, with priority given to government hospitals such as Shree Harsha Hospital.
Private hospitals will be considered in the second phase.
The distribution of the medicine is expected to begin within the week. Dr. Budhathoki further explained that the Ministry requested this aid from Direct Relief after receiving numerous delegations from stroke patients.
The medicine, which is not readily available in Nepal, is vital for saving lives.
The price of one dose in Nepal can be nearly Rs 160,000, making it largely inaccessible to most patients.
Two months ago, on Jan 17, the Ministry of Health and Population signed an agreement with Direct Relief to provide the life-saving medication free of charge to patients in government hospitals.
In line with that agreement, the first shipment has now arrived.
Experts, including Nepal’s neurologists, have estimated that around 800 vials of this medicine will be needed annually for stroke patients.
As a result, the current supply is expected to last for one year. Dr. Budhathoki also assured that free medication will be available for the next five years.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in Nepal’s healthcare system, especially for patients battling the life-threatening effects of stroke.
