Workshop on public health patent provisions in Nepal held

Kathmandu, Bagmati province – The Department of Drug Administration, under the Ministry of Health and Population, and The Third World Network jointly organized a two-day workshop on 29-30 August to discuss incorporating public health-sensitive patent provisions into Nepal’s Industrial Property Bill. The event, supported by WHO Country Office for Nepal, convened over 100 high-level participants from the MoHP, including the Honourable Minister for Health and Population; honourable members of the Parliamentary Committee on Industry, Commerce, Labour and Consumer Welfare; Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies; Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; National Planning Commission; Federal Parliament Secretariat; legal experts; the private sector; academia, civil society and international partners. Discussions focused on strengthening understanding of the TRIPS Agreement - a global trade rule that sets minimum standards for protecting intellectual property, including patents for medicines, which all World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries must follow. The workshop was especially timely as Nepal prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026, when full TRIPS compliance, including pharmaceutical patent protection, will become mandatory. Recognizing the implications for access to affordable medicines, the workshop emphasized aligning intellectual property with public health priorities while supporting the growth of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers. The workshop concluded with a strong consensus on the need for Nepal to adopt a balanced approach that protects public health while fulfilling international obligations.