Important Dates for Nepal Pharmacy Council Exam and Loksewa Preparation

Pharmacy education, regulations, and healthcare policies have evolved significantly in Nepal over the years. This document provides a chronological overview of major milestones in Nepal’s pharmaceutical sector, which is essential for students preparing for the Nepal Pharmacy Council Exam and Loksewa (Public Service) examinations.

Important Dates for Nepal Pharmacy Council Exam and Loksewa Preparatio

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Early Development of Pharmacy in Nepal

1816 AD

• Introduction of Modern Allopathic Medicine: Western medicine was introduced to Nepal after the Sugauli Treaty between Nepal and the British East India Company.

• Chandra Dispensary Established: The first pharmacy service in Nepal, Chandra Dispensary, was established in Kathmandu under the Rana rule to provide modern medicine.

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Growth of Healthcare Institutions

1889 AD (1947 BS)

• Bir Hospital Established: Nepal’s first hospital, Bir Hospital, was founded with the help of British doctors. It became a central hub for medical education and healthcare services.

1956 AD

• Santabhavan Hospital (Patan Hospital) Established: One of Nepal’s oldest hospitals, it later evolved into Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS).

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Development of Drug Research and Manufacturing

1964 AD

• Royal Drug Research Laboratory Established: A government initiative to research and analyze pharmaceuticals for quality control.

1972 AD (2029 BS)

• Royal Drug Research Laboratory Converted into National Medicine Laboratory: Expanded to perform drug analysis, standardization, and research.

• Nepal Pharmaceutical Association (NPA) Established: A professional body representing pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists.

1969 AD

• Start of Allopathic Drug Manufacturing: Nepal began the local production of modern medicines.

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Legal and Regulatory Milestones

1976 AD (2033 BS)

• Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act Promulgated: Regulated the production, distribution, and consumption of narcotic substances in Nepal.

1978 AD (2035 BS)

• Drug Act Implemented: This legislation was crucial in setting standards for drug production, distribution, and regulation.

1979 AD (2036 BS)

• Department of Drug Administration (DDA) Established:
  • The primary regulatory body for drug control and safety in Nepal.
  • Oversees drug registration, quality assurance, and market monitoring.

1980 AD (2037 BS)

• Drug Consultative Council (DCC) and Drug Advisory Committee (DAC) Regulation Published:
  • Set guidelines for drug policies, safety measures, and professional consultation in pharmaceuticals.

1981 AD (2038 BS)

• Drug Registration Regulation Published:
  • Required all pharmaceutical products to be registered before market distribution.

1983 AD (2040 BS)

• Drug Inquiry and Inspection Regulation Published:
  • Allowed the government to inspect pharmaceutical companies, ensuring compliance with standards.

1984 AD (2041 BS)

• Drug Manufacturing Codes Published:

  • Laid the foundation for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
  • Updated in 2015 AD (2072 BS) with stricter guidelines.

• Drug Sale and Distribution Codes Published:

  • Ensured ethical pharmacy practices.
  • Updated and implemented in 2014 AD (2071 BS).

1986 AD (2043 BS)

• Drug Standard Regulation Published:
  • Established pharmaceutical quality control measures in Nepal.

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National Health and Drug Policies

1991 AD

• National Health Policy Published:
  • Aimed to improve healthcare services and regulate pharmaceutical education.
  • Replaced in 2014 AD by a new health policy with updated guidelines.

1995 AD (2051 BS)

• National Drug Policy Implemented:
  • Focused on accessibility, affordability, and quality assurance in medicines.

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Nepal Pharmacy Council & Pharmaceutical Organizations

1990 AD (2047 BS)

• Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal (APPON) Established:
  • Represents pharmaceutical industries in Nepal.

2001 AD (2058 BS)

• Nepal Pharmacy Council (NPC) Established:
  • Regulates pharmacy education and licensing in Nepal.

2002 AD (2059 BS)

• Implementation of Nepal Pharmacy Council:
  • Started licensing exams for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants.

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Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Pharmacy Guidelines

2004 AD

• Implementation of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP):
  • Set international standards for drug manufacturing in Nepal.

2014 AD (2071 BS)

• New Drug Sale and Distribution Codes Implemented:
  • Updated ethical guidelines for pharmacies and drug distribution.

2015 AD (2072 BS)

• Hospital Pharmacy Guidelines Published:

  • Ensured proper dispensing, storage, and patient counseling in hospital pharmacies.

• Ministry of Health and Population Renamed to Ministry of Health:

  • Reflects structural changes in Nepal’s healthcare governance.

• New Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Code Published:

  • Improved quality control in pharmaceutical production.

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World Pharmacist Day

September 25

• World Pharmacist Day Celebrated:
  • Recognizes the contributions of pharmacists in healthcare.
  • Aims to increase public awareness of the importance of pharmacy.

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Conclusion

Understanding key historical events and regulatory milestones in Nepal’s pharmaceutical sector is essential for pharmacy professionals and students preparing for Nepal Pharmacy Council exams and Loksewa exams.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Nepal’s pharmacy sector evolved from traditional dispensaries to a modern, regulated industry.
✅ The Department of Drug Administration (DDA) and Nepal Pharmacy Council (NPC) play crucial roles in drug regulation and education.
✅ The Drug Act (1978) and National Drug Policy (1995) established quality standards and legal frameworks.
✅ Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hospital Pharmacy Guidelines ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines.
✅ World Pharmacist Day (September 25) highlights the importance of pharmacists in healthcare.

Staying updated on these events will enhance your knowledge and improve your performance in exams and professional practice. 🚀