KATHMANDU, May 9: The government for the first time has introduced 'Healthcare Technologies and Medical Supplies Directive, 2074' for streamlining the management of purchase and distribution of medical technologies and equipment.
The Cabinet meeting held on Monday endorsed the directive presented by the Ministry of Health paving the way for capping the widespread irregularities flourishing under random and unchecked pricing system for healthcare technologies and equipment.
An urgent plea to protect healthcare providers
Health Minister, Gagan Thapa, said with the endorsement of the directive the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of the health technologies and equipment will be fixed.
"The health service will be affordable and quality – based with the enforcement of the directive as purchase of quality healthcare materials and equipment will be made affordable," Minister Thapa said, adding "This will put a lid on the misuse of state's millions of rupees."
The Ministry prepared the directive on suggestion and advices drawn from medicinal consultants and advisory committee.
For now on companies setting up drug manufacturing industries and overseeing the supply of medical equipment and technologies will have to seek a recommendation from the Department of Drug Administration (DDA) and be registered with the government. The DDA will also be tasked with the job of monitoring the compliance with the new directive.
The Ministry will subject the concerned companies and individuals to legal action under Drugs Act and Procurement Act including other regulations for noncompliance with the directive. RSS
