Tosima Karki Pledges Amendment to 47-Year-Old Drug Act as Government Priority
Kathmandu — Newly elected Member of Parliament Dr. Tosima Karki from the Rastriya Swatantra Party has expressed confidence that the upcoming government will prioritize amendments to Nepal’s decades-old drug law to make the health sector more modern and effective.
Speaking at an interaction program titled “Nepal Pharm Expo and Self-Reliance in Medicine: Policy Issues” held in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Karki said it is not possible to provide modern and time-relevant medical services while relying on a 47-year-old Drug Act. She stressed that the new government will move forward with necessary revisions.
“Carrying a 47-year-old drug law, the government cannot guarantee modern medical treatment according to today’s needs. Therefore, the upcoming government will place this issue as a priority and make the required amendments,” she said.
Karki stated that even basic reforms in the health sector have remained stalled due to lack of political will and unethical practices. She claimed that a government led by her party would act as a service-oriented government in the health sector.
“Simple issues in the health sector have remained stuck because of lack of willpower and unethical games. When leadership works with integrity and commitment to service, these problems can be solved. The upcoming government will play the role of a servant government in the health sector,” she said.
She also emphasized that self-reliance in medicine is not only a business matter but also a sensitive issue related to citizens’ safety. According to her, every citizen must have access to affordable, accessible, and quality medicines, and it is the responsibility of the state to ensure this.
“Medicine self-reliance is not just a commercial issue. It is linked to the safety of citizens. Every citizen must receive affordable and quality medicines, and the state must guarantee this,” she said.
Karki further noted that quality control should not be limited to the production stage alone. She stressed the need for strict monitoring from storage to distribution to ensure medicines remain safe until they reach patients.
She added that effective regulation and quality testing must be maintained at every stage, from storage to supply, to ensure public trust in the healthcare system.
