Govt to upgrade Nepal Drugs Ltd, reform health sector
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle said the state-owned company will be upgraded to boost domestic pharmaceutical production and reduce dependency on imports.
KATHMANDU: The government has announced plans to significantly enhance the capacity of Nepal Drugs Limited to produce at least 25 types of essential medicines, including those distributed free of cost. Presenting the national budget for Fiscal Year 2083/84 on Friday, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle said the state-owned company will be upgraded to boost domestic pharmaceutical production and reduce dependency on imports.
In the health education sector, the government plans to internationalize major medical institutions including Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, the National Academy of Medical Sciences, and Patan Academy of Health Sciences.
These institutions will be developed to attract foreign students and strengthen Nepal’s position as a regional hub for medical education.
Under a Public–Public Partnership (PPP) model, hospitals across all seven provinces will be gradually transformed into teaching hospitals and specialized healthcare centers, improving access to advanced medical services nationwide.
The government also plans to mobilize investable funds from the Employees Provident Fund, Citizens Investment Trust, and Social Security Fund into health infrastructure, medical education, and specialized healthcare services.
Additionally, the national health insurance program will be restructured to improve efficiency, sustainability, and service delivery.
