Kathmandu, Jan 16: Minister of Health and Population Pradip Paudel has announced yet another health service on free of charge. Previously he has announced several others but these decisions have been languishing with the unavailability of funds and their work procedures to cater these services.
Minister Paudel today announced to provide free medicines for the treatment of paralysis patients.
He said that medications used to treat rare forms of paralysis will now be provided free of charge in the country. He emphasized that approximately 800 individuals suffering from non-life-threatening paralysis will benefit from this initiative, with life-saving medicines obtained through cooperation with the United States being distributed at federal and state hospitals.
During a program held in Pokhara, Minister Paudel highlighted the challenges faced by many individuals who are unable to afford the costly and scarce medications required for their treatment. He stressed the importance of government intervention to ensure access to these essential medicines.
According to the Minister, the Health Ministry has received reports of an increase in deaths related to paralysis, particularly due to complications from high blood pressure and heart issues. Thrombolytic drugs, which have been proven effective by doctors in treating non-life-threatening paralysis with a single dose, are among the medications being provided.
The cost of these medicines in Nepal is approximately Rs 138,000 per dose, making them inaccessible to many in need.
To address this issue, Minister Paudel instructed the Ministry to work towards making these medications more readily available.
A memorandum of cooperation has been signed with the American charity Direct Relief to ensure a stable supply of these medicines for the next five years.
In addition to providing medications, the Ministry is developing guidelines for the distribution of these medicines. These guidelines will be implemented in federal and state hospitals, improving healthcare services in Nepal. Neurologist Dr. Raju Paudel emphasized the significance of this achievement for the country’s healthcare sector. #nepal #health #paralysis
