KATHMANDU, July 27: Experts discussed the challenges faced by the Nepali pharmaceutical industry in the context of the new intellectual property regime after Nepal’s graduation from the group of least-developed country (LDC) in an interaction organized in Kathmandu on Tuesday. 

They identified the major policy and institutional challenges for the optimal use of Trade Related Aspects on Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) flexibilities, and suggested the way forward during the workshop titled “Preparedness of Nepal’s pharmaceutical sector in the face of LDC graduation” organized by South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) and Third World Network (TWN). 

Dr Paras Kharel, executive director of SAWTEE, emphasized the flexibility that Nepal receives as an LDC and the preparedness of the pharmaceutical sector for the challenges it may encounter after 2026. 

Dr Posh Raj Pandey, Chairperson of SAWTEE, presented the findings of the draft report “Preparedness of Nepal’s Pharmaceutical sector to cope with the challenges of the country’s LDC graduation” jointly prepared by SAWTEE and TWN. 

Pandey suggested that Nepal could still avail different flexibilities even after the graduation, immediately during the transition phase and later as a developing countries too while strengthening the capacity of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers. 

Prajwal Jung Pandey, president, Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal (APPON), stated that the patent registration process for pharmaceutical companies in Nepal is complex and cumbersome. Pandey mentioned that Nepal has not been able to effectively grab the benefits provided to LDCs. 

He emphasized that in the face of LDC graduation, the private sector, along with the government, needs to move ahead in a collaborative manner to ensure that the transition is smooth. 

Similarly, Shiva Prasad Shrestha, senior vice president, Nepal Medical Association, lamented that Nepal’s pharmaceutical companies are limited to producing basic drugs rather than complex and life-saving drugs. He also stated that unless the government accords effective protection to domestic producers, Nepal’s pharmaceutical sector will have a difficult time surviving. 

Prativa Pandey, executive committee member, Intellectual Property Protection Society Nepal, stressed that gaps lie in the ecosystem, innovation and standards. She emphasized that the research and development (R&D) ecosystem should be strengthened. She said, “As a civil society, we need to increase the capacity of the government in strengthening R&D.” 

 
• LDC
 
• pharmaceutical