In Brief:

• 190,000 doses of ARV vaccine procured via international tender in April 2026
• Vaccine manufactured by Liaoning Cheng Da Biotechnology Co Ltd, China under brand name Speeda
• Department says vaccine meets WHO-GMP standards and has lot-release certification
• Public urged not to be misled by inaccurate reports that could disrupt health services

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 23 The Department of Health Services has rejected reports questioning the quality and procurement of the anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) being used in Nepal, saying the vaccine was purchased through a prescribed international bidding process and meets the required quality standards. Issuing a clarification, the department said it had procured 190,000 doses of 0.5 ml ARV vaccine for the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division after inviting an international tender on April 12, 2026, in accordance with the Public Procurement Act. According to the department, the vaccine, manufactured by Liaoning Cheng Da Biotechnology Co Ltd of China under the brand name Speeda, was imported following the required regulatory and procurement procedures. The department said the vaccine is manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. It also said the vaccine has been used in several countries and that the relevant regulatory authority has granted the required lot-release certification. The clarification noted that the department had purchased the vaccine through a competitive international bidding process based on the WHO-PQ or WHO-GMP-related criteria specified in the tender documents. The department also rejected claims that the vaccine must contain a particular substance under Nepal's Drug Act, saying such a requirement does not apply in the manner suggested by the report. It said medicines and vaccines registered and used in Nepal are supplied after meeting applicable quality and regulatory requirements. The department urged the public not to be misled by what it described as inaccurate information and said misleading reports could disrupt health services and create unnecessary public concern. It has also asked health institutions, health workers and service users to use the ARV vaccine in accordance with the National Guidelines for Rabies Prophylaxis and Management in Nepal.