Access to Special Medicines in Nepal: A Complex Issue

 Every year, the health sector in Nepal receives thousands of requests for special medicines that are not approved in the country. These medicines are used for complex patients, including those in intensive care units and cancer patients, and are often requested by doctors, general practitioners, and pharmacists. In many cases, the families of these patients are forced to seek private sponsorship from India, near the border, as a last resort for their loved ones.

The issue of accessing special medicines in Nepal is a complex one. On the one hand, the country lacks the infrastructure and resources needed to approve and provide these medicines to its citizens. On the other hand, families who are unable to access these medicines through legal means often resort to illegal methods to save the lives of their loved ones. This creates a dangerous situation in which patients are forced to risk their health and well-being by using unapproved drugs that may have harmful side effects.

Despite the severity of this issue, many people in Nepal are either unaware of it or choose to turn a blind eye. Those who are economically prosperous and politically connected often travel abroad for treatment, while the common citizens of Nepal are left to rely on the government for help. This disparity highlights the urgent need for policy changes that will address the underlying causes of this problem.

As Nepal continues to develop, it is crucial that the government takes action to improve access to special medicines for its citizens. The country has only 20 years left for development, with just 5 years remaining to lay the foundations for the policies needed for sustainable growth. If Nepal fails to address this issue, it risks becoming a poor country for the remainder of the century.

This issue of access to special medicines in Nepal is a complex one that requires urgent attention. The lives of countless patients depend on the government's ability to provide them with the care and treatment they need. It is our responsibility to bring attention to this issue and call for action to ensure that all Nepalese citizens have access to the medicines they need to live healthy and productive lives.