On July 24, Baglung District Administration Office sealed a laboratory and a medical hall in Baglung, citing that they were risking the health of patients.
In coordination with the Assistant Chief District Officer of Baglung District Administration Office, Chitrangat Baral, a team comprising representatives from various organizations, including the Informal sector (INSEC), Baglung, Dhaulagiri Hospital, Baglung, Baglung Municipality, Tourism and Industry Office, National Consumer Forum, Industry and Commerce Association, Food Technology and Quality Control Office, and Internal Revenue Office conducted an inspection of nine public health institutions in the district.
Assistant Chief District Officer, Baral pointed out that the medical hall was selling expired medicines and expressed concern about their negligence even in serious matters like health. He mentioned that the medical hall would be fined for such negligence.
After conducting the inspection, it was discovered that the laboratory of Buddhachitta Ayurveda Treatment Center was operating without proper registration at the local level and without meeting the required standards. Furthermore, it was found that Sabina Medical hall was distributing medicines without obtaining the necessary advice and authorization from a qualified doctor. As a result of these findings, the administration has sealed Sabina Medical Hall.
During the inspection, it was discovered that Ashish Medical Hall of the headquarter was registered only as a pharmacy and was providing medical check-ups to patients. They were directed to register as a clinic within five days, and the responsibility for the medical hall’s beds was entrusted to the municipality.
According to Chitrangat Baral, the Assistant Chief District Officer of the District Administration Office in Baglung, the sealed laboratory and medical hall will remain closed until the completion of the process in accordance with the written terms and conditions.
During the monitoring, Assistant Chief District Officer, Baral provided information that no health institutions were registered in Baglung Municipality.
Health institutions have been given a deadline of five days to make necessary improvements. The areas that require attention include the cleanliness of the medical treatment facilities, creating a suitable environment for medicinal storage, addressing issues pertaining to manpower management and documentation, and ensuring transparency in financial matters.