More Than 40 Unrenewed Pharmacies Ordered to Shut Down in Makwanpur

The Makwanpur District Administration Office has ordered the immediate closure of more than 40 pharmacies, veterinary medicine outlets and Ayurvedic stores that failed to renew their operating licences.

The move follows a decision by Nepal’s Department of Drug Administration to revoke the licences of 5,302 pharmaceutical businesses nationwide for failing to complete renewal procedures within the legal deadline.

In a notice issued on Wednesday, the administration said the permits of the affected businesses had become invalid and all drug sales and related operations must cease immediately. Authorities warned that businesses continuing to operate despite the order would face legal action.

Officials said the crackdown aims to update records, regulate pharmaceutical trade and strengthen monitoring of medicine-related businesses. The administration also urged pharmacy operators to comply with legal requirements and maintain valid licences, stressing that the sale and distribution of medicines is a sensitive public health matter requiring strict oversight.