Pradip Poudel: Superficial Changes Insufficient for Health Sector Transformation

Kathmandu. Nepali Congress General Secretary and former Minister of Health and Population Pradip Poudel has stated that superficial work alone is not enough for real change in the health sector. 

Making his views public through social media, Poudel commented that simply changing the board of hospital pharmacies will not lead to citizens receiving easy services or good governance in medicine prices. He pointed out the need for long-term plans and practical solutions for the transformation of the health sector.

Leader Poudel claimed that while he was in charge of the ministry, he prepared important policy foundations for providing medicines to the general public at affordable and accessible prices. He recalled that central bidding (local purchasing) was prepared to ensure uniform medicine prices across the country and facilitate supply.

'We had prepared a study report for policy arrangements regarding the pricing of generic medicines and price adjustments of medicines through experts,' Poudel said, 'Additionally, a new bill and a directive for setting prices were prepared and sent for opinions for the regulation of medicines, health materials, cosmetics, and supplementary food nutrition.'

Leader Poudel expressed concern that although he made the necessary arrangements during the budget period, those important works have been overshadowed recently. He drew the government's attention to work in a way that citizens can feel direct relief in the health sector.