Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana Regains Momentum, Returns to Profit

Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana has begun regaining its momentum after a significant decline in medicine production since 2077 BS. The state-run Ayurvedic pharmacy is now increasing production and returning to profitability.

According to Executive Director Pradeep KC of the Vaidyakhana Development Committee, production had declined for nearly three years due to the absence of procurement contracts for raw materials. “There were problems for some time, but we are now focusing on increasing production. Along with production growth, our business is also expanding,” he said, adding that government pharmacies alone have recently placed orders worth Rs 20 million.

KC stated that although the institution once faced expenses 233 percent higher than its income, it has been operating at a profit since Shrawan this fiscal year. Previously, production had stalled due to delays in raw material supply, but internal issues have now been resolved and output has increased.

In 2077 BS, the Vaidyakhana produced only 12 types of medicines. Currently, it manufactures 86 types, of which 30 are supplied to government pharmacies. KC explained that although a procurement contract was signed in Poush 2080 BS, the contractor failed to deliver raw materials and was blacklisted. A new contract was signed in Baisakh 2081 BS, and production resumed from Shrawan of the same year.

At one point, continuous losses left employees unpaid for seven months. Now, with regular production and profits, staff members are receiving their salaries on time.

High Demand, Limited Supply

KC noted that demand for Vaidyakhana’s medicines has surged nationwide, with current demand reaching nearly Rs 40 million. However, production capacity has not yet met demand, and for now, medicines are being supplied only to government outlets.

The institution aims to supply medicines to 50 percent of government pharmacies by the end of this fiscal year.

Among the most in-demand products are Shilajit, Chyawanprash, Nimiya (for joint pain), Chandra Prabhavati, Mahayograj, Kanchanar, and Triphala. Production of Swarnabhasma Bindu, which had been halted for 15 years, has also recently resumed.