Tilottama Municipality in Rupandehi has established an affordable pharmacy to provide medicines at concessional rates. Patients accessing this pharmacy will receive a 25.10 percent discount on the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of medicines. The municipality has signed a five-year agreement with Boots Medico Pvt. Ltd. to operate the pharmacy and is also preparing to launch pathology services next year. (16 Baisakh, Butwal)
The pharmacy, located in Ward No. 5, Manigram of Tilottama, was inaugurated by Mayor Ram Krishna Khan on Wednesday. Khan noted that not only residents of Tilottama but patients from anywhere will be eligible for the 25.10 percent discount on medicine MRPs. He expressed hope that this municipal initiative would serve as a model for other municipalities across the country.
Mayor Khan also shared plans to start pathology services from the coming year. For pharmacy operations, the municipality has signed a five-year contract with Boots Medico Pvt. Ltd. According to the agreement, the municipality will pay an annual rent of NPR 250,000 for the premises, while Boots Medico will provide all other discounts and services, said Chief Administrative Officer Khumalal Bhusal.
The pharmacy will stock medicines from all domestic and international companies. Executive member Surendra Shree mentioned that the concept was developed with a focus on patients with chronic illnesses and those requiring regular medication. This initiative is expected to reduce the burden on patients who currently have to purchase medicines at higher prices in the market.
