KATHMANDU, JUNE 6 Minister for Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta has directed authorities to ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines and address shortages, including cancer drugs. During an inspection of the Department of Drug Administration on Saturday, she instructed officials to expedite licensing procedures for medicine suppliers, conduct on-site monitoring of applicant companies and strengthen market regulation. The minister also ordered quality testing of generic medicines distributed free of charge and those provided under the health insurance programme. She pledged support for enhancing the department's regulatory capacity and sought details of resources needed for institutional reforms. Acting Director General Shiwani Khadgi briefed the minister on the department's activities and challenges.