Under 2 phases, 50 such stores already running
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Dec 12: After setting up around 50 Jan Aushadhi stores across Kashmir, the Health Department has set the process of establishing 45 more such stores in motion under Phase-III to make sure that the patients across Kashmir get quality medicines by pushing the generic medicines into the market by strengthening the chain of such stores.
Officials told Excelsior that under the latest Phase-III, the department will be setting up 45 more Jan Aushadhi stores across Kashmir under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) at the hospitals that are functional round the clock.
Under Phase-III, 2 more Jan Aushadhi stores will be set up in Srinagar at PHC Zadibal and Khanmoh, 6 in Budgam at CHC Pakharpora, Kremshore, PHC Khag, Poshkar, Surasyar and Hardpanzoo.
In District Pulwama, the department is all set to establish 5 Jan Aushadhi stores at PHC Awantipora, Kakpora, Khrew, Litter and Aribal; in Ganderbal, 5 more such stores are going to be set up at MMC Watlar, PHC Tulmulla, NTPHC Gutlibagh, Ganiwan and PHC Wussan.
In Baramulla, the department is planning to set up 5 such stores at PHC Boniyar, Kunzer, Dangiwacha, Tarzoo and Kreeri; in Kupwara, 9 such stores are going to come up at CHC Sogam, Kralpora, Zachaldara, Langate, Kralgund and Villgam, Trejgam, Kalaroose and Chogal.
In Bandipora, 4 more such stores are going to come up at CHC Dawar, PHC Chuntimulla, Ashtingoo and NTPHC Naidkhai; in Anantnag, similarly, 3 more stores are planned which are going to come up at SDH Dooru, PHC Larnoo and NTPHC Pahalgam.
In Shopian 2 such stores have been planned to come up at PHC Sedow, DK Pora; in Kulgam 4 such stores are going to come up at PHC Qaimoh, Qazigund, Mohammad Pora, and PHC Nihama.
It is to be noted here that the process of setting up Jan Aushadhi stores was kick-started in the year 2019 and under the Phase-I of it, 23 stores were set up, followed by Phase-II under which 32 such stores were approved, taking the total number of Jan Aushadhi stores in Kashmir hospitals to 55-out of which one each was in Leh and Kargil.
Earlier, the Additional Chief Secretary H&ME had directed the officials to increase the number of Jan Aushudi stores across Kashmir and as per the directions, the CMOs were asked to submit the proposals accordingly for the setting up of the new stores in their districts.
As per officials, the process is currently on and within a week or so they will have the approval for the Jan Aushadhi stores under Phase-III.
Under PMBJP, by setting up Jan Aushadhi stores, it is aimed to ensure access to quality medicines for every section of the society and at the same time create awareness about generic medicines.
Nodal Officer Jan Ashudi for Kashmir Division, Dr Nishat Shaheen told Excelsior that the DHSK is currently processing the paperwork and the process is being carried out as per the guidelines.
Interestingly, the Prices of the Jan Aushadhi medicines are 50%-90% less than that of branded medicines prices in the open market while the medicines are procured only from World Health Organization-Good Manufact-uring Practices (WHO-GMP) certified suppliers for ensuring the quality of the products. (PTI)
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