KATHMANDU: The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has provided free medicines to regional and zonal hospitals in Janakpur, Birgunj and Butwal.

The NRNA's gesture comes at a time when many health institutions across the country are facing shortage of medicines due to the blockade by India and protest in the Tarai.

The medicines provided to the hospitals weigh around 2,000 kg each.

NRNA Chairman Shesh Ghale handed over the medicines to Dr Nagendra Prasad Yadav, Chairman of the Janakpur Zonal Hospital and medical superintendent Dr Raj Kishor Pandit amid a programme in Janakpur on Tuesday.

Ghale was accompanied by a team comprising Kul Chandra Gautam, NRNA patron and former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, NRNA patron Indra Wan and spokesperson Ranju Thapa.

Likewise, Ghale also handed over medicines to Narayani Sub Regional Hospital in Birgunj and Lumbini Zonal Hospital in Butwal.

"We distributed the medicines as per need of the hospitals that last at least six weeks," Ghale said.