Jinarayan Bahadur Chhetri

The Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal (APPON) has urged the government to curb the import of foreign medicines, particularly those already produced domestically. APPON argues that Nepal is self-sufficient in various medicines and suggests importing only raw materials to protect national industries facing competition from cheaper foreign products.

Nepali pharmaceutical manufacturers are urging the government to restrict imports of foreign medicines, particularly those already produced domestically, to protect the struggling local industry. They advocate for policies that prioritize internal production and suggest importing only raw materials for medicines manufactured in Nepal. The industry claims that competition from cheaper imported drugs has led to factory closures and underutilization of production capacity.