A meeting of the National Assembly today endorsed the 'Drug (third amendment) Bill, 2079 BS' and the Bill relating to the security of health workers and health institutions.
The bills were passed with the meeting unanimously accepting the proposal to that end tabled by Minister for Health and Population, Bhawani Prasad Khapung.
Taking part in clause-wise deliberations on the first bill, lawmakers Beduram Bhusal and Prakash Panth sought the incorporation of a provision guaranteeing compensation in case of the death, physical damages or physical and mental consequences during the clinical trial for emergency use of any vaccine or drugs in Nepal. Panth also registered an amendment proposal in regard with the bill.
Likewise, taking part in clause-wise deliberations on the second bill, Panth was of the view of addressing the security issues of ambulances and hearses in the bill.
As Dr Bhusal demanded, the respective district court instead of the chief district officer shall be granted the right to take action against those indulging in physical assault on health institutions and health workers.
In his response to queries raised during the deliberations, the Health Minister said the first bill aimed to allow the registration and use of vaccines or drugs registered by the drug regulating bodies of the respective nations and granted permission for the emergency use of the products in Nepal.
He assured of the use of vaccines or drugs just recommended by the World Health Organisation for emergency purposes, stating that we should not panic thinking that emergency use of drugs and vaccines would cause a human casualty. He explained that the second bill was brought to prevent possible attacks on health institutions and health workers, and potential loss.
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