Kathmandu, May 9

The government for the first time has introduced Healthcare Technologies and Medical Supplies Directive, 2074 to check widespread irregularities in the pricing of medical equipment.

A Cabinet meeting held yesterday endorsed the directive presented by the Ministry of Health.

Health Minister Gagan Thapa said with the endorsement of the directive the government would fix the maximum retail price of medical equipment.

“The directive aims to make healthcare services affordable,” said Minister Thapa, adding that this would also check irregularities in the procurement of medical equipment by government hospitals.

From now on, companies setting up drug manufacturing industries and overseeing supply of medical equipment will have to seek recommendation from the Department of Drug Administration and be registered with the government. DDA will be tasked with the job of monitoring compliance with the new directive.