Kathmandu, November 22

In view of the shortage of drugs due to continued blockade of border checkpoints, the Ministry of Health and Population has set up a toll free number —16600133444 — to help individuals and health centres cope with the crisis.

Through the toll free number, individuals and health institutions can enquire about medicines, which are in short supply in the market, and get information about where they may be available, said Dr Gunaraj Lohani, administrator at the ministry.

A four-member committee led by Lohani has been formed to hear the complaints regarding supply of essential medicines. The committee would make recommendations on how the private sector and donor agencies may help the government ease supply of medicines.

Major government hospitals in the country have submitted the list of the medicines they require urgently to the health ministry. Some of the hospitals have postponed the operation dates of many patients citing lack of medicines.

Meanwhile, the Non-Resident Nepalis’ Association is all set to supply medicines to the country via air route. Nepal Drug Dealers’ Association began bringing medicines from India by air route from Friday.

Bagmati Chairman of NDDA, Mrigendra Kumar Shrestha said three trucks carrying medicines were brought to Nepal via Bhairahawa border checkpoint on Saturday.

NRNA Spokesperson Ranju Wagle Thapa urged Nepalis living in foreign countries to help the country in this hour of need.