16/03/2026
𝐔𝐩𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐂𝐃𝐬
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing worldwide, and cities are witnessing a particularly high burden. Pokhara Metropolitan City, the largest metropolitan city in Nepal by area, has been exploring possible solutions to address NCDs in urban context, particularly among poor and marginalized communities. One of the key solutions discussed is expanding mechanisms to link private pharmacies, often the first point of contact for NCD services, with public health facilities and the wider health system.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆
During an event organized to disseminate the findings of a study on strengthening the urban health system, Public Health Officer of the Health Division, Mr. Subash Bastola, highlighted that pharmacies are often the first point of contact for diabetes and hypertension screening due to their easy access and longer opening hours. Although pharmacies provide some NCD-related services, their readiness was found to be limited. He also noted that the lack of recording systems in pharmacies resulted in the absence of service data in the government health management information system. He further shared that the co-created intervention model implemented resulted in improved screening, counselling, and referral. He also informed that the metropolitan city has already incorporated some components of this model in the current fiscal year and is planning to scale it up through the next budget.
𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
On the occasion, Metropolitan City Mayor, Mr. Dhana Raj Acharya, said that the study findings were highly relevant for the metropolitan city and that the approach of engaging pharmacies was an innovative idea to address NCDs. As NCDs continue to rise, he emphasized the importance of behavior change and instructed officials to implement annual programs based on the findings.
𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲
Pokhara Metropolitan City and HERD International under CHORUS Research Consortium, have collaboratively implemented a study aimed at strengthening the urban health system to address NCDs. Initial needs assessment findings showed low service readiness in health facilities and pharmacies for NCD management. In response, stakeholders co-designed and implemented a pharmacy–health system linkage model. The evaluation of this model indicated that improving pharmacy services and systematically engaging them in screening, counselling, and referral can strengthen early detection and management of NCDs. The metropolitan city has already incorporated some components of this model in the current fiscal year and is planning to scale it up through the next budget.
𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
* Health policy frameworks should formally recognize and engage private pharmacies as key partners in early screening and referral for NCDs.
* Local governments can strengthen urban health systems by establishing mechanisms that link pharmacies with public health facilities and health information systems.
* Engaging pharmacies in screening, counselling, and referral with a well-defined support system can improve access to NCD services, particularly for underserved urban populations.
* Investments in training, supervision, and simple recording systems for pharmacies can enhance service quality and generate data to inform the urban health system for better planning.
* Such engagement is cost-effective and feasible, as it utilizes resources already available in pharmacies, such as human resources and physical space.
