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Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Upendra Yadav Visits DDA

Kathmandu, 18th April, 2024.

In a significant development, the honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Health and Population Minister Upendra Yadav visited the Department of Drug Administration (DDA) to gain insights into its operations and address pressing medicine regulatory issues. The hon’ble minister's visit aimed to understand the department's vision, assess the progress made in recent times and challenges faced in the course of regulatory endeavors.

During the visit, the Director General of the Department of Drug Administration (DDA), Narayan Prasad Dhakal, provided a comprehensive overview of the department's activities, highlighting its achievements, ongoing projects, and challenges encountered along the way. Of particular concern was the issue of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements, which the Director General emphasized as a serious matter to be settled on a plan of action by the concerned stakeholders.

Minister Yadav expressed his serious concern regarding the issue of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements and assured the department of his full support. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the department and pledged to expedite the approval of the revised Drug Act, facilitate the restructuring of DDA functions, and functionaries passing through the endorsement of the new O&M. Furthermore, he also articulated his concern with the seriousness of the medicine pricing issue and expressed his commitment to resolve as appropriate.

The visit underscored the government's commitment to promoting public health and addressing key challenges in the healthcare sector, particularly in medicine regulation. Minister Yadav's assurance of support signifies the high-level commitment to strengthen regulatory system at the country level as well as on empowerment and motivation for DDA Staff.

Prior to the meeting, the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister received a briefing from the World Health Organization (WHO) representative to Nepal, Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, Dr. Adrien Inoubli, and his team. The briefing covered the status and progress of the DDA in achieving WHO-GBT (Global Benchmarking Tool) standards and its improving current maturity level. WHO officials also reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting the DDA's efforts to strengthen regulations.