Jan Aushadhi Kendra– Now common people will neither have to wander around for affordable and quality generic medicines nor will they have to jostle in the crowd to get medicines. The government has withdrawn the minimum distance standard between Jan Aushadhi Kendras for metros and cities with a population of more than one million. This will pave the way for opening many government Jan Aushadhi Kendras at one place. Essential medicines will be more accessible to the people and their out-of-pocket expenses will be reduced.
Let us tell you that the central government had provided great relief to the common people by opening Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country in response to expensive branded medicines. These Jan Aushadhi Kendras were started in the year 2014. Generic medicines are available at these centers and they are 50 to 90 percent cheaper than branded companies, while in terms of quality and effectiveness they are at par with expensive branded medicines.
A report citing internal documents of the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), which is responsible for implementing the scheme, has called for the abolition of the distance rule. The report said that in view of the high population density in urban areas, the minimum distance requirements are being abolished to ensure access to Jan Aushadhi Kendras, equitable distribution and widespread availability.
The government had made a rule of minimum one kilometer distance between two centers to protect and promote Jan Aushadhi Kendras. However, the minimum distance standard of one kilometer will still be applicable in cities with a population of less than one million.
Government support to Jan Aushadhi Kendras
Government support to Jan Aushadhi Kendras Under the scheme, the government provides monthly incentives of up to Rs 20,000 and one-time assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh for opening a Jan Aushadhi Kendra. To ensure the quality of medicines, all Jan Aushadhi medicines are purchased from companies that follow WHO-GMP (World Health Organization standards).