Kathmandu, February 16:

Out of the 40 pharmaceutical companies in Nepal, nine of them have already adopted good manufacturing product (GMP) — a system that ensures products are consistently produced and controlled according to WHO quality standards.

Adoption of GMP minimises the risks involved in any pharmaceutical production that cannot be eliminated through testing the final product.

Addressing the inaugural two-day Nepal Pharma Expo-2008 at Bhrikuti Mandap, Dr Chop Lal Bhusal, president of Nepal Medical Association, said that the pharmaceutical industry in Nepal which supplies 40 per cent of the medicine requirements in the country would be credible and trustworthy, if the companies adopt GMP standards.

He said, “The government needs to give protection to the industries as most of them are located in Tarai,”, adding the ongoing political unrest is affecting the whole industry.

Umesh Lal Shrestha, president of Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal, said the pharmaceutical industry here still follows the Act which was promulgated in 1978. Pradeep Man Vaidya, advisor of the expo, said the pharmaceutical industry is a growing industry, which would be self reliant by 2014.

Inaugurating the expo, Speaker Subas Chandra Nembang said he would take necessary steps to promote the pharmaceutical industries in Nepal.

A total of 43 companies from India, Bangladesh and China and 32 indigenous companies are participating in the expo.