Key Points
Over 24 Jan Aushadhi Kendras operating across 16 Bhagalpur blocks
Patients traveling long distances to access affordable medicines
Scheme launched in 2008 to provide low-cost generic drugs
The large crowd of beneficiaries at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras in JLN Hospital, Mayaganj, and Sadar Hospital's Bhagalpur Campus indicates that this government scheme is highly beneficial to the public.
IANS spoke to some of the beneficiaries of PMBJK to understand their experiences.
Dilip Bhagat, who traveled 10 km from Nathnagar to buy medicine, expressed his gratitude, saying: "PM Narendra Modi deserves thanks for this work. I have been taking medicines from this Jan Aushadhi Kendra, and it benefits my health more than the medicines I used to buy from outside. I request the government to open these Kendras in different areas of Bihar. The medicines are available at very cheap prices, and I want to thank PM Modi for this."
Suraj, a resident of Purnia, traveled 100 km to Bhagalpur to buy medicine for his father.
"The medicine that costs Rs 1,000 in the market is available for just Rs 200 at the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra. It’s significantly cheaper, and I want to thank PM Modi for this," he said.
To make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Union Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings.
Under the scheme, dedicated outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras are established to provide generic medicines at affordable rates.
Every year, March 7 is celebrated as ‘Jan Aushadhi Diwas’ to raise awareness about the scheme and promote the use of generic medicines.
Comments:
Rahul K.
This is such a great initiative! My grandmother saves nearly 60% on her monthly medicines thanks to Jan Aushadhi. More people should know about these centers. 🙏
Priya M.
While the scheme is helpful, I wish there was better quality control. Last month I got medicine that seemed less effective than the branded version. Still grateful for the affordability though.
Amit S.
My family has saved over ₹15,000 this year alone! The government should expand this to more rural areas where people struggle even more with medicine costs.
Neha J.
The price difference is unbelievable! From ₹1000 to ₹200 is life-changing for so many families. Hope they keep adding more medicines to the list. 👍
Vikram P.
Great to see this coverage! I run one of these kendras in Bhagalpur and the daily footfall shows how much people need this service. The government should provide more support to kendra operators too.
