In view of the shortage of medicines, the Ministry of Health and Population has begun a toll free number -16600133444 - for the sick ones, general public and concerned health institutions.

Through the toll free number, the concerned people and the health institutions can enquire about the shortage and availability of medicines, said Dr Gunaraj Lohani, administrator at the Ministry.

One can get the information about where the medicines are available, and how these can be accessed. It would help ease the supply of medicine, added Dr Lohani.

Even a four-member committee has been formed under him to hear the complaints on the medicine supply.

The committee would also suggest government how can the private sector and donor agencies extend help to the government to this regard.

Major government hospitals in the country have submitted the list of the medicines they were in need of, to the Health Ministry. Some of the hospitals have postponed the operation dates of many patients for lack of medicines.

NRNA to send medicine via air route

Meanwhile, the Non-Resident Nepalis' Association is to send medicine via air route.

Nepal Drug Dealers' Association (NDDA) began bringing medicines from different cities of India by air route from Friday.

Bagmati Chairman of the NDDA Mrigendra Kumar Shrestha said three trucks of drugs were brought to Nepal via Bhairahawa point on Saturday too.

NRNA Spokesperson Ranju Wagle Thapa also informed that Nepalis living in any part of the world help Nepalis at this hour of need. RSS