Medical fee hike outcry; medicine entrepreneurs protest, and paracetamol recall

Nepal’s health sector saw a series of developments this week, including hike in medical fees for migrant workers, a protest by medical entrepreneurs, and recall of substandard paracetamol tablets.

New medical fees for migrant workers is a burden: NAFEA

Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies (NAFEA) has raised their objection to the government decision to increase medical examination fees for Nepali Migrant Workers.

The government implemented the hike to NRs 9,500 this Thursday based on its decision on March 21. Earlier, the medical examination fees ranged at NRs 3,500- 6,500. However, the coverage has also been increased from 19 types to 34 types of test. 

In a press statement released by the association, NAFEA criticised the hike saying it places an excessive financial burden on migrant workers. 

NAFEA has called the decision unacceptable, terming it unilateral and without the consultation of concerned parties. It argues that many of the added medical tests are unnecessary and not required by destination countries, and workers often have to redo tests abroad anyway.

Additionally, NAFEA has accused that several orientation training providers collect arbitrary fees from migrant workers and have warned to correct themselves. If not, NAFEA has threatened they will take their own steps, while the government will be responsible for it.

Medical entrepreneur on strike

Medicine entrepreneurs, led by the Nepal Chemist and Druggist Association (NCDA) launched a protest today in the Department of Drug Administration (DDA) premises demanding annulment of Section 11 of Drug Act, 2035. 

Under this law, entrepreneurs are required to renew their medicinal licence before the expiry of the time-limit. Else, they are charged with a 100% fine with their licence and certificate terminated in due time. 

Other key demands of the protest include simplification of the licence renewal process, and swift approval of the Drug Act bill.

DDA recalls paracetamol products from Lomus and Curex

‘CETOPHEN,’ a paracetamol tablet from Lomus Pharmaceuticals, has once again been recalled by DDA from the market. 

The recall was made under  the Section 14, Drug Act, 2035 after the National Medicine Laboratory found the sample medicines of low quality. DDA has put a halt on buying and selling of the product. 

This is not the first time the department has recalled the same medicine by Lomus. Earlier, DDA had recalled the medicine on November 12 for the same reason. 

Another medicine ‘REXAMOL,’ a paracetamol tablet from Curex Pharmaceuticals was also recalled from the market for the same reason.