Ultimatum from the Committee Concerned with Medicines, Health Services, and Health Supplies: "Withdraw the report, or else we will take to the streets

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – Following the public release of the report by the Medicine Pricing Policy Recommendation Committee formed by the Ministry of Health and Population, major associations from the fields of medicines, health services, and health supplies have expressed strong objections. They have accused the report of being monopolistic, not service-recipient- or business-friendly, and of being prepared by ignoring relevant stakeholders.

At a press conference held in Hattisar, the Committee Concerned with Medicines, Health Services, and Health Supplies demanded the immediate withdrawal of the report prepared by the ministry. Mahesh Prasad Pradhan, the coordinator of the committee and president of the Nepal Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, claimed that the report has created a situation of "insecurity, mental stress, investment risk, and disrespect" in the pharmaceutical service sector.

A report that increases the suffering of service recipients

The statement said,
"This report poses the risk of making it impossible for service recipients to access safe, effective, and quality medicines in the future. Despite being labeled 'pro-public', in reality, it only adds to the suffering of the recipients."

The committee also stated that the decision made in the 16th meeting of the Drug Advisory Council on Magh 2, 2075 (January 16, 2019), has been disregarded. The council is a high-level advisory body within the health ministry, which had made recommendations for pharmaceutical policy based on scientific and geographic realities.

Stakeholders allegedly ignored

Stakeholder associations complain that no consultations were held with medicine manufacturers, importers, distributors, doctors, or health workers during the preparation of the report. As a result, they claim, the report is unrealistic and impractical.

The statement noted,
"Despite the private sector consistently investing with a service-oriented spirit and contributing to the nation, the ministry’s policy and approach have had a serious negative impact on their morale."

Ultimatum until Jestha 29

The committee has issued an ultimatum to implement the 2075 decision by office hours on Jestha 29 (June 12, 2025). The statement warned,
"If the decision is not implemented, we will be compelled to launch a protest movement. The ministry will be solely responsible for any abnormal situation that arises as a result."

Joint statement signed by nine associations

The joint statement was signed by representatives from nine associations:

1. Mahesh Prasad Pradhan, Coordinator, Committee Concerned with Medicines, Health Services, and Health Supplies; President, Nepal Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association

2. Ramchandra Sharma, Vice President, Nepal Chemists and Druggists Association

3. Pawan Kumar Acharya, General Secretary, Nepal Pharmaceutical Importers Association

4. Dr. Sanjeev Tiwari, General Secretary, Nepal Medical Association

5. Ritesh Rimal, President, Nepal Veterinary Pharmaceutical Association

6. Bhakta Hamal, President, Chemical and Medical Suppliers Association

7. Suman Pandey, President, Nepal Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association

8. Prof. Shyam Krishna Joshi, Association of Private Health Institutions Nepal (AFPIN)

9. Ganesh Nepal, President, Nepal Pharmaceutical Wholesalers Association

Conclusion

This incident clearly shows the need for coordination among public, private, and service-recipient sectors in matters of medicine pricing. The future now hinges on whether the ministry reconsiders the report — or prepares to face a protest movement.