Kathmandu, Oct. 15 -- In a sweeping decision, the Department of Drug Administration (DDA) has revoked the manufacturing licenses and registration certificates of 47 immunosuppressants brands at once. The department cited concerns over drug quality and safety, including the risk of cross-contamination at manufacturing facilities that lack dedicated production units for the medicines.

Of the 47 brands, 33 are manufactured in Nepal, 13 in India, and one in Bangladesh.

The move has raised concerns among doctors about the future availability of medicines essential for kidney transplant patients with chronic illnesses. The department has since clarified that medicines already imported into the country or available in the market can still be s...