National List of Essential Medicines (2021), Sixth Edition Released

Kathmandu, Bagmati Province – Department of Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Population, released the sixth edition of the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) during a policy dialogue meeting on medicine regulation in Nepal. Hon'ble Health Minister, Mr. Birodh Khatiwada, released the NLEM (2021) at the event. The publication was technically and financially supported by WHO, Country Office for Nepal. The list contains 398 drug molecules in different therapeutic categories which are needed for a basic healthcare system. They were selected with due regard to disease prevalence, public health relevance, evidence of efficacy, safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness. During the launch, dignitaries noted that the publication is an important tool for the management of medicines and rationalizing prescription in the country as envisioned by the National Health Policy 2076, and appealed to healthcare workers to follow the defined guidelines.