Ministry Intensifies Market Surveillance After Fake Medicine Discovery

Kathmandu. After the fake medicine named Seroflo Rotacaps 250 was found in the market, the Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene has intensified market surveillance. Under the direction of Health and Food Hygiene Minister Nisha Mehta, continuous surveillance has been conducted even on holidays.

According to the Department of Drug Management, during the surveillance conducted in various pharmacies, a total of 66 pharmacies were inspected, including 15 in the Maharajgunj area, 18 around Bir Hospital and Chabahil, 11 in Patan and Jawalakhel area, 14 in Baspark Balaju area, and 8 in Banepa.

During the surveillance, 21 pieces of fake medicine named Seroflo Rotacaps 250 were recovered from a pharmacy in Banepa, the Department of Drug Management informed. That pharmacy has been immediately closed and further investigation has been initiated.

Similarly, during the surveillance, more than 15 pharmacies that were operating without renewal, selling expired medicines, selling medicines without a pharmacist, and not adhering to sanitation and standards have been instructed to appear at the Department of Drug Management, Bijulibazar, Kathmandu for action.

According to the department, market surveillance will continue for the next few days. It is expected that this will make it easier for service recipients to obtain quality and safe medicines and will significantly help in controlling illegal drug trade.

The department has also initiated the process of identifying individuals, organizations, and manufacturers involved in the storage, supply, and unauthorized sale and distribution of the fake medicine and taking legal action against them. 

Furthermore, the public has been urged to purchase medicines only from authorized and registered pharmacies and to immediately report any suspicions to the relevant authorities.