Illegal and Expired Medicines Sold in Pokhara Ayurveda Hospitals

Pokhara. Illegal and substandard medicines are being sold freely in Ayurveda hospitals and clinics operating in Pokhara. Such serious negligence was found in health institutions in the Buddachok area of Pokhara Metropolitan City-10 during an unexpected inspection led by the District Administration Office, Kaski on Tuesday.

Assistant Chief District Officer Chitrangat Baral informed that a large quantity of medicines without permission from the Department of Drug Management and those that have expired were seized and destroyed during the inspection. "Most hospitals were found to be selling illegal medicines," he said, "The inspection has been intensified to stop this rampant corruption in the name of treatment, and those responsible will be severely punished according to the law."

The inspection team has directed institutions that do not meet the standards, have not renewed their registration, and are operating without displaying rates to appear at the administration office on Wednesday. "Family Ayurvedic Clinic," which was operating without an operating permit, has been temporarily shut down.

Dr. Bipinbandhu Acharya of Gandaki Ayurveda Hospital said that medicines without legal recognition are entering the market and hospitals themselves should be aware. It was also found that some clinics were selling medicines by individuals who did not have knowledge of the relevant subject. During the inspection, 8 institutions including Nature Care Ayurveda Hospital, Sadhana Ayurveda, Arogya Homeo Pharmacy, and Pokhara Healthy Homes in Buddachok were inspected.

Representatives from the administration, metropolis, Gandaki Ayurveda Hospital, Ward Police Office Baidam, and the Consumer Forum participated in the inspection team. The administration has also directed to immediately remove hoarding boards that are against the standards.