HOSPITAL PHARMACY SERVICES IN KATHMANDU VALLEY: A GENERAL INSIGHT INTO PRACTICE AND POLICY

Abstract

Hospital pharmacy is a critical component of healthcare systems, ensuring rational use of medicines, improving therapeutic outcomes, and safeguarding patient safety. In Kathmandu Valley, hospital pharmacy services vary widely across public and private institutions, reflecting differences in resources, policies, and professional practices. This study provides a general insight into the current status of hospital pharmacy in the region, with a focus on service delivery, regulatory compliance, and policy frameworks. It explores core functions such as procurement, storage, dispensing, and clinical pharmacy involvement, alongside challenges related to infrastructure, workforce training, and integration with clinical teams. Findings indicate that while larger hospitals are gradually adopting patientcentered and clinical pharmacy services, many institutions still emphasize traditional dispensing roles with limited involvement in therapeutic decision-making. Policy gaps, lack of standardized protocols, and insufficient enforcement of regulations remain significant barriers. However, ongoing healthcare reforms, technological advancements, and increasing recognition of pharmacists’ clinical roles suggest opportunities for strengthening hospital pharmacy practice