Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 6: The Union Territory of J&K has made remarkable strides in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), becoming a front-runner in providing affordable generic medicines to its citizens.
With over 230 Jan Aushadhi stores spread across the region, the initiative has been recording consistent growth every month and saving a substantial amount of money annually that would have otherwise been spent on branded medications.
According to officials, the growth of Jan Aushadhi stores in J&K was particularly noteworthy in June, with an impressive recorded increase of nearly 70 per cent. This achievement, the officials said, has positioned the UT among the leading states, outperforming regions like Maharashtra and Delhi.
Rifat Nazir, the Nodal Officer for Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) in J&K, spoke about the extensive penetration of Jan Aushadhi stores in J&K, stating that the majority of areas have been covered. “This has ensured the availability of generic drugs to the masses, leading to a constant improvement in the overall performance under the scheme,” he added.
The positive impact on public finances has been substantial as well. In the last fiscal year, as per officials, the initiative saved a remarkable Rs 258 crores of public money, with nearly Rs 80 crores saved in the first quarter of the current fiscal year alone. Officials anticipate further progress in this regard in the months to come.
Notably, the Jammu region has witnessed a surge in the establishment of Jan Aushadhi stores. These stores have expanded their presence from the main city of Jammu to even far-off areas like Gool in Ramban. Officials informed that plans are underway to establish more such stores to ensure the availability of generic, high-quality medicines at affordable prices throughout the region.
“We have also had a number of success stories in this regard from both Kashmir and Jammu divisions. Individuals are now earning a good amount per month while also contributing to the availability of generic drugs,” Rifat Nazir shared.
One of the key highlights of the PMBJP implementation in J&K has been its positive impact on employment. So far, nearly 1000 people have secured jobs with the establishment of Jan Aushadhi stores across the UT. Moreover, the scheme has encouraged women entrepreneurs to step forward and establish such stores, providing sustained employment opportunities for them.
One of the store owners, Waseem Ahmad, who has recently established a Jan Aushadhi Store in Srinagar, said that he took the initiative to earn a livelihood and be able to provide the same to others working under him.
“It has started to grow for me. People also prefer generic medicines over branded ones because they are not only affordable but effective at the same time. The onus is on the doctors to only prescribe generic drugs,” he said.
Follow our WhatsApp channel