DDA Organizes National Consultation Workshop on Revision of NLEM

Kathmandu, August 4^th, 2025

The Department of Drug Administration (DDA), with support from Helen Keller International, organized a consultative national workshop on the revision of the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM). The event brought together key stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft revised essential medicines list.

Officials from the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), Department of Health Services (DoHS), Medical Societies, Councils, Professional Associations and other Health Experts attended the workshop, underscoring the collaborative nature of this critical healthcare initiative.

The primary objective of the workshop was to gather additional suggestions and comments on the draft version of the revised NLEM, prepared by the official committee for revision of NLEM.

The program was chaired by Mr. Narayan Prasad Dhakal, Director General of the Department of Drug Administration (DDA). Opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Shiwani Khadgi, Senior Drug Administrator. The Chief of the QSRD Division of MoHP, Dr. Saroj Sharma, was also present, along with Dr. Bibek Kumar Lal, Director of the Family Welfare Division, and Dr. Pawan Jung Rayamajhi, Director of the Management Division, Department of Health Services (DoHS).

Dr. Anil Karki, President of the Nepal Medical Association (NMA), emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating that all health professionals must utilize this list as priority list while prescribing, and urged the Ministry of Health and Population to provide even greater support in implementing this policy in the country.

Dr. Laxmi Raj Pathak, a public health expert, provided an overview of the NLEM revision process. This was followed by detailed presentations on medicine inclusion, exclusion, strength and dosage from extension of molecule list by Expert Pharmacists, and Pharmacologists. These presentations led to an in-depth discussion among participants.

In his closing remarks, the Director General of DDA, Mr. Dhakal expressed appreciation for the active and insightful contributions from all attending medical and health experts. He noted that the comments and suggestions received during the workshop will be further reviewed and finalized before submission for official approval.

The revision of the NLEM aims to ensure equitable access to safe, effective, and essential medicines for all, in alignment with national health priorities.