KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday drew the attention of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Supplies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the looming shortage of essential medicines in hospitals as supplies have been disrupted due to ongoing protests in the Tarai by Madhesh-based parties. During a discussion with secretaries of the concerned ministries, NHRC Chairperson Anup Raj Sharma and members of the constitutional rights watchdog also enquired about efforts being taken by the government to maintain law and order and to control black-marketing.