KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population, Ram Janam Chaudhary, said that all types of medicines would be available in the hospitals within a week.

Talking to the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), Minister Chaudhary said that he directed all the suppliers and tender applicants not to allow medicine shortage and added that their tenders would be scrapped if they did not provide medicines within a week.

He said, "I have asked a list of medicines that are in short supply, after calling directors of all hospitals. Such medicines will reach all hospitals within a week."

The Health Minister said discussions were underway to import medicines from third countries. He said, "We require medicines anyhow. It is not necessary to bring the medicines only from India. So preparations are underway for the same."

Minister Chaudhary said the Ministry was preparing to bring medicines from foreign donors viewing medicine shortage in the hospitals.

He added that although the foreign donors have expressed commitments to provide medicines, they put a condition that Nepal itself should pay one per cent VAT.

The Health Minister said, "A discussion was held with the Finance Ministry in this regard and the Ministry is ready for the same. So hospitals will get all types of required medicines within a week."