By Pushkar Bhusal

Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS) organized a national seminar on “Quality Pharmaceuticals and Safe Drinking Water: Challenges in Developing Countries” in Grand Hotel, Kathmandu on 5^th June 2017. According to KIAS scientist Dr. Basant Giri, the seminar was organized to discuss pertinent issues regarding quality of both pharmaceuticals and drinking water among concerned stakeholders. The seminar was attended by a group of selected experts including from Department of Drug Administration (DDA), Government of Nepal, representatives from Nepal Pharmacy Council (NPC), Association of Pharmaceutical Producers Association of Nepal (APPON), representatives of private pharmaceutical companies of Nepal, representatives of international pharmaceutical companies, faculties from Tribhuvan University and Pokhara University, and Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL). Furthermore, also discussed in the seminar was the water quality screening using low-cost methods.

Dr. Bhanu Neupane, Scientist at KIAS, briefly outlined the research and science outreach programs of KIAS at the beginning of the seminar. Mr. Santosh KC, drug administrator at DDA gave a presentation on how DDA is ensuring the distribution of quality medicines across Nepal. Dr. Bal Mukunda Regmi, Professor at Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University discussed on drug manufacturing procedures and problems associated with it. He also highlighted the role of concerned agency/department/organization for maintaining the cost of drugs. Dr. Toni Barstis and Dr. Reena Lamichhane both from Saint Mary’s College, IN, USA presented their research findings and way forward. While Dr. Barstis talked about the development of Paper-based Analytical Device (PADs) for pharmaceutical quality screening, Dr. Khadka’s described works on similar device for microbial screening of water and milk. Both of these projects are being implemented in collaboration with KIAS and Dr. Giri contributes as an international collaborator and faculty.

The seminar concluded by remarks from by Prof. Dharma Khanal from Manamohan Institute of Health Science, Kathmandu, Prof. Dr. Rameshwar Adhikari, Executive Director at Research Center for Applied Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Mr. Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, Division Chief of water/waste water, KUKL, Mr. Deepak Prasad Dahal from APPON, and Mr. Baburam Humagain from NPC. The director general of DDA, Mr. Nayaran Dhakal, provided special remark. Mr. Dhakal also answered questions and queries raised during the seminar regarding various issues.

The seminar ended with question and answer session.