The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has intensified market monitoring across the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas after counterfeit batches of Seroflo Rotacaps—a widely used respiratory medication—were discovered in the market. Under the direct instructions of Minister Nisha Mehta, monitoring teams conducted continuous inspections, even operating through public holidays to contain the threat.
The Department of Drug Administration (DDA) launched a coordinated sweep inspecting 66 pharmacies. The raids targeted major healthcare hubs: 15 pharmacies in Maharajgunj, 18 near Bir Hospital and Chabahil, 11 around Patan and Jawalakhel, 14 in the Balaju Buspark area, and 8 in Banepa.
During the crackdown, authorities seized 21 packets of counterfeit Seroflo Rotacaps from a single pharmacy in Banepa. The outlet was immediately shut down, and a formal investigation has been launched. Additionally, more than 15 other pharmacies were penalized and summoned to the DDA headquarters in Bijulibazar for serious violations, including operating without registered pharmacists, selling expired drugs, running without valid renewals, and failing basic sanitation standards.
The DDA announced that the inspection drive will continue rigorously over the coming days to ensure public safety and curb the illegal trade of medicines. Authorities are currently tracking down the supply chain to identify the manufacturers, distributors, and individuals involved in circulating the fake drugs. Meanwhile, the public has been strongly urged to purchase medicines only from officially registered pharmacies and to immediately report any suspicious products to the regulatory bodies.
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