Most hospitals covered in UT with 233 active stores
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Aug 4: While the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has achieved significant coverage across most hospitals in Kashmir, the absence of Jan Aushadhi Stores under the scheme at prominent hospitals in the Valley has raised concerns over generic medicine availability.
The prestigious Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Soura, along with Bone & Joint Hospital in Barzulla and the lone maternity Lal Ded Hospital, are among those yet to have operational Jan Aushadhi Stores on their premises.
Officials report that despite ongoing efforts to establish a Jan Aushadhi Store at SKIMS, Soura, the process has faced delays, with reasons behind the hindrance remaining undisclosed. While an Amrit Store is already operational at SKIMS, the establishment of a Jan Aushadhi Store faced obstacles.
The PMBJP-which aims at providing quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses through special stores-initiated years ago in the country, witnessed the opening of the first Jan Aushadhi Store in Kashmir in 2011. Presently, around 233 such stores have been set up in both Jammu and Kashmir, with extensive coverage in peripheral regions and all district hospitals.
Recent developments indicate the inauguration of six new Jan Aushadi Kendras, with several more in the pipeline. Officials expect over 50 new stores to open during the current fiscal year.
However, despite most hospitals in the region, including GMC Srinagar and its Associated Hospitals, being covered by the PMBJP, the absence of Jan Aushadhi Stores at SKIMS, Bone & Joint Hospital, and Lal Ded Hospital raises concerns about the accessibility of affordable generic drugs.
It is noteworthy that SKIMS, Soura, recently issued a circular advocating for the prescription of generic medicines over branded medications. However, the lack of a Jan Aushadhi Store on the hospital premises appears to have hindered the effective implementation of this directive.
Officials overseeing the implementation of PMBJP revealed to the Excelsior that several meetings have been held with SKIMS authorities, but progress has been sluggish, leaving the situation unresolved for nearly two years. “Operational issues have delayed the opening of stores at LD Hospital and B&J Hospital,” they explained.
Furthermore, the matter of the Jan Aushadhi Store at Lal Ded Hospital remains sub-judice. It was brought to court by the proprietor of a Jan Aushadhi Store operating outside the hospital after the LD authorities initiated the process of setting up one on its premises.
“The matter is pending resolution as it revolves around compliance with guidelines regarding the store’s location within the hospital and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for distance,” informed hospital authorities.Officials from SKIMS, Soura, informed Excelsior that a committee has been formed to establish a Jan Aushadhi Store at the hospital, and they have held several meetings with concerned officials. “The process is ongoing, and we intend to open a store here soon,” they confirmed.
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