Large Medicine Stocks Burned Leaving Patients Struggling in Malangwa

Malangwa’s Provincial Hospital in Sarlahi has come under investigation after reports revealed that large stocks of essential medicines expired in storage while patients were turned away without treatment. Following a review, it was discovered that when these medicines were not provided as expected, they were then burned next to the hospital’s morgue. Questions regarding the proper management of medicines, proper storage of medicines and proper distribution of medicines have arisen as a result.

According to staff at Malangwa Provincial Hospital, the medicines supplied at different times were not appropriately categorized or stored correctly, therefore being stored for long periods before eventually being declared expired. After some time the medicines became expired and were subsequently disposed of in accordance with standard disposal processes adjacent to the hospital's body storage area.

Dr. Ram Prakash Sah, the hospital’s chief medical superintendent, clarified that the expired medicines predated his one-month tenure at the hospital. “I have been here only for a month, and these medicines were from previous administrations. I did not authorize their destruction,” he stated, adding that any mishandling would result in strict action.

Meanwhile, patients visiting the hospital for treatment were compelled to purchase medicines from private pharmacies at higher prices, as the hospital could not provide the required drugs. Citizens have criticized the lack of transparency and regular monitoring in the procurement, storage, and distribution process, emphasizing that such gaps undermine public trust in healthcare services.

According to both local and health practitioners, immediate measures are needed to review hospital pharmacy practices as it relates to the amount of drug waste, the timely provision of medication, and an increase in the accountability of the hospital for their actions through proper documentation and record-keeping. This incident highlights the need for better oversight within Nepal’s healthcare system to protect patient's rights and reduce unnecessary losses.