The arson on a container truck ferrying medicines in Birgunj has raised doubts over the commitment of protesters to allow smooth supply of emergency goods in Nepal.

The inability to  bring these essential medicines has severely affected the country’s health sector, and the condition is likely to worsen.

Pharmaceutical administrators and drug importers have said that the act is a breach of international laws where every person has the right to access to health and medical services, including medicines.

Condemning the heinous action by protesters, importers have warned that they will not be able to bring in any goods if the government does not provide them with enough security.

“This is not acceptable. Setting fire on a vehicle delivering medicine is a cowardice act that sends negative message over the ongoing protests in the region,” said Shankar Ghimire, president of the Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal.

He added that the Ministry of Health and Population and the Ministry of Home Affairs have failed to live up to their commitment of providing security for the transport of essential goods.

Cadres of Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, a few hours after its decision to allow the passage of medicines, hurled a petrol bomb at a truck carrying essential medical supplies in Birgunj on Friday.

The truck, Na 2 Kha 8292, carrying life saving drugs was set on fire at 1 am late Thursday night. The truck had a banner reading “essential medications” on it, said the truck driver.

A meeting of the Morcha had agreed to allow trucks carrying medicines, oxygen cylinders and health-related equipment stranded in Raxaul, India, to enter Nepal from Rani, Biratnagar, during the day.

Hospitals across the country are reeling under an acute shortage of medicines and other supplies. Surgical supplies in hospitals are depleting, forcing them to cut down surgical patients.

“We are sad and infuriated. The Morcha should not have promised on matters that they cannot fulfil,” said Mrigendra Mehar Shrestha, president of Nepal Chemists and Druggists Association. “We cannot put lives of our employees at stake while delivering these medicines.”

Shrestha warned that if the government does not provide adequate security, it should bear the consequences of an acute shortage of medicines across the country.