KATHMANDU: The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) on Friday provided medicines worth Rs 12.5 million to the government amidst a programme held at the Department of Health Service in Teku, Kathmandu.

The NRNA provided the medicines to deal with the shortage in the wake of India's undeclared blockade and ongoing Tarai unrest.

Shesh Ghale, the NRNA President, handed over the medicines to Ram Janam Chaudhary , Minister for Health and Population.

The NRNA had provided medicines worth Rs 3.8 million to the government on November 24 in the first phase while it provided medicines worth Rs 2.5 million to regional hospitals in Janakpur, Birgunj and Butwal.

After an agreement with the government and the support of Nepal Army, the Association distributed the medicines to the respective administrative offices or regional hospitals and also provided medicines worth Rs 9 million to the government on Friday. The medicines were handed over as per the list of necessary medicines provided by the hospitals and the government.

On the occasion, NRNA President Ghale said that the Association was committed to extending necessary support to Nepal at this difficult situation.

The additional medicines worth Rs 1.2 million purchased in Bangladesh would arrive in Kathmandu within next week, he added.