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The Rising Nepal | Nepal's First English Broadsheet Daily. clickmandu Nepal News
3 sources · 3 articles
Started 19 hours ago · Updated 7 hours ago

Pharmaceutical Producers Demand Government Curb Foreign Medicine Imports

Photo · english.nepalnews.com

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.

  • APPON stated that nearly 1,000 drug-producing companies exist in Nepal, but 10 have closed and 50 are at risk of closure due to competition from imported medicines.
  • The association highlighted that Nepali pharmaceutical industries are running at only 30-40% capacity and face challenges with high production costs and a small market compared to Indian manufacturers.
  • APPON also pointed out that low customs duty on imported medicines and higher duties on imported packaging materials and glasses for Nepali industries further hinder their competitiveness.
  • Narayan Bahadur Chhetri, former central chairman of APPON, noted that medicines from approximately 200 foreign industries, including those from India, are imported into Nepal.
  • The government is reportedly preparing a private sector-friendly budget and aims to reduce administrative procedures through a 'one-stop system'.

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Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal Jinarayan Bahadur Chhetri Asim Shah Rup Khadka

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