Kathmandu: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has given a 10-day ultimatum to pharmacies operating within the metropolis to align with specified standards. Currently, there are 2,600 pharmacies in operation, according to the KMC.

A press statement from the KMC's Health Department emphasized concerns about the unauthorized sale and distribution of medicines by unregistered individuals. It noted instances where medicines were being dispensed without doctors' prescriptions. The statement called on all pharmacies operating without compliance to rectify their practices within the given 10-day period.

Ram Prasad Poudel, Chief of the Health Department, warned of closure and legal consequences for pharmacies that fail to address the highlighted issues within the stipulated timeframe.

The KMC's monitoring revealed several pharmacies lacking proper record-keeping, lacking permission from the Health Department of the Metropolis, and not adhering to the Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP), as outlined by Poudel.

The KMC urged consumers to report any issues encountered during the purchase of medicines to the Health Department of the KMC through the toll-free number 16600105511.

Further monitoring is planned by the KMC in accordance with Clause 26(D) of the Public Health Act-2080 BS. It's important to note that, as per legal provisions, running drug stores is only permitted for individuals studying pharmacy, and permission must be obtained from the KMC.