Ministry of Health Mandates Weekly Reporting to Prevent Vaccine Shortages

Kathmandu. To prevent shortages of essential vaccines, including rabies and snakebite anti-venom, at vaccination centers across the country, the Ministry of Health and Population has assigned special responsibilities to three key department heads, mandating weekly reporting on vaccine status.

Dr. Chuman Lal Das, head of the division at the Ministry, issued a directive to Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, Chief of the Child Health and Immunization Service Section; Dr. Amrit Pokharel, Chief of the Zoonotic and Other Infectious Disease Control Section; and Chetan Nidhi Wagle, Chief of the Supply Management Section. These officials are now required to submit detailed reports on vaccine procurement, stock levels, and distribution to the Ministry every Friday.

The Ministry has implemented this measure to ensure the availability of vaccines at centers and to create an environment where supply chains remain uninterrupted. Following reports of shortages of rabies and routine vaccines in several districts, the Ministry aims to make the supply system more transparent and accountable.