{"id":5722,"date":"2026-10-12T23:30:12","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T23:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dirghajoshi.com.np\/?p=5722"},"modified":"2026-10-12T23:30:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T23:30:15","slug":"from-policy-to-practice-weak-enforcement-of-pharmacy-regulation-as-a-patient-safety-threat-in-nepal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dirghajoshi.com.np\/ne\/from-policy-to-practice-weak-enforcement-of-pharmacy-regulation-as-a-patient-safety-threat-in-nepal\/","title":{"rendered":"From Policy to Practice: Weak Enforcement of Pharmacy Regulation as a Patient Safety Threat in Nepal"},"content":{"rendered":"
Effective pharmacy regulation is a cornerstone of patient safety and rational medicine use. In Nepal, despite the existence of regulatory frameworks such as the Drug Act 2035 and policies restricting non-prescription sales of antibiotics, enforcement is weak and inconsistent, leading to widespread regulatory failure in community pharmacies. Problem<\/strong>: Multiple studies have documented widespread dispensing of antibiotics without valid prescriptions in community pharmacies across Nepal, with non-pharmacist staff frequently engaging in these practices. Analysis<\/strong>: Policy and practice gaps in Nepal\u2019s pharmacy sector reflects systemic issues including insufficient regulatory capacity, workforce shortages of qualified pharmacists, market-driven dispensing behaviors, and low public awareness of rational medicine use. These structural barriers continue unsafe pharmaceutical care and weaken pharmacovigilance systems. Policy Implications<\/strong>: Strengthening enforcement must be reframed as a health systems and patient safety priority rather than a narrow regulatory task. A multi-pronged strategy including mandatory qualified pharmacist presence, enhanced inspection and compliance monitoring, integration of community pharmacies into national antimicrobial stewardship programs, and public awareness campaigns is urgently needed. Conclusion<\/strong>: Weak enforcement of pharmacy regulation in Nepal constitutes a significant but under-recognized threat to patient safety and antimicrobial stewardship. Translating existing policies into practice through systemic reforms can reduce medication-related harm and preserve antibiotic effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n