Dial Health Ministry's toll free number if faced problems in medicine supply

KATHMANDU: In view of the shortage of medicines, the Ministry of Health and Population has begun a toll free number - 16600133444 - for the sick ones, general public and concerned health institutions.

Through the toll free number, the concerned people and the health institutions can enquire about the shortage and availability of medicines, said Gunaraj Lohani, Administrator at the Ministry.

One can get the information about where the medicines are available and how these can be accessed. It would help ease the supply of medicines, added Dr Lohani.

Meanwhile, a four-member committee has been formed under Lohani to hear complaints on the medicine supply.

The committee would also suggest the government how the private sector and donor agencies can extend help to the government in this regard.

Major government hospitals in the country have submitted the list of the medicines they were in need of, to the Health Ministry. Some of the hospitals have postponed the operation dates of many patients for lack of medicines.

NRNA to send medicines via air route

Meanwhile, the Non-Resident Nepalis Association would send medicines via air route.

Nepal Drug Dealers' Association (NDDA) began bringing medicines from different cities of India by air route from Friday.

Bagmati Chairman of the NDDA, Mrigendra Kumar Shrestha, said three trucks of drugs were brought to Nepal via Bhairahawa point on Saturday too.

NRNA Spokesperson Ranju Wagle Thapa also informed that Nepalis living in any part of the world could help Nepalis at this hour of need.