‘Nepal Imports Injectable Drugs Worth Rs 18 Billion Annually’

Nepal imports injectable drugs worth more than Rs 18 billion annually, according to a domestic drug manufacturer which aims to change this situation by starting local production soon.

Magnus Pharma Pvt. Ltd., a pharmaceutical company based in the Birgunj-Pathlaiya Industrial Corridor, announced plans to begin producing injectable medications from April. The company aims to reduce Nepal’s heavy reliance on imports, as 90% of injectable drugs in the country are currently imported, said Managing Director Sudhir Prakash Maskey during a press conference in Birgunj.

"Nepal's pharmaceutical market is valued at approximately Rs 60 billion, with a significant portion dependent on imports. Among these, injectable drugs alone account for more than Rs 18 billion," Maskey said. Despite Nepal having 76 pharmaceutical industries, only four currently manufacture injectable medications.

To address this gap, Magnus Pharma has invested Rs 1 billion in setting up an injectable drug production plant at its facility. The company's Financial Director, Binit Lohia, confirmed that the new facility is expected to begin operations in April, aiming to enhance Nepal’s self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical production.