Nepali Drug Manufacturers Demand Protection Against Imports

Chitwan. Nepali drug manufacturers have demanded that the government curb external competition, stating that domestic industries are under pressure from imports. They have urged for stricter import controls, promising to provide medicines in Nepal through domestic competition. They emphasized that the government should adopt a policy of importing only raw materials for medicines in which Nepal is self-sufficient.<

There are about 100 drug industries in Nepal. Of these, 10 have already closed down, and the remaining 50 are on the verge of closure, according to industrialists. Stating that the operating industries are functioning at only 30 to 40 percent capacity, they have urged the government to save the industries.<