New Delhi: The federal government is taking steps to make extra medication, together with these for most cancers and neurological illnesses, accessible at cheaper charges for the general public.
The Division of Prescribed drugs plans to promote an extra 100 key medication at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) shops to widen the vary of generic medicines accessible at reasonably priced costs, two officers conversant in the matter mentioned.
“The division is contemplating the growth of the product basket of the Janaushadhi scheme,” one official mentioned. “Newer lifesaving medication used for the therapy of cardiovascular illnesses, neurological illnesses, diabetes, most cancers and antibiotics are being added to the listing.”
“The proposal is with the Division of Prescribed drugs and more likely to be authorized shortly,” the second official mentioned.
At current, 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical gadgets are bought at Janaushadhi kendras.
The primary official mentioned the Prescribed drugs & Medical Units Bureau of India (PMBI) procures medicines for Janaushadhi kendras solely from firms which have World Well being Group-Good Manufacturing Practices certification to make sure product high quality.
“Every batch of medicines is examined at NABL (Nationwide Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) labs and solely after passing the standard exams, the medicines are dispatched to Janaushadhi kendras. The federal government additionally does routine high quality audits of the amenities of distributors to make sure compliance,” the official added.
Cheaper generics
The PMBJP scheme is carried out by the PMBI and comes beneath the Division of Prescribed drugs within the ministry of chemical compounds and fertilizers. Its goal is to cut back the expenditure of customers and popularise generic medicines.
The federal government claims that the generic medication bought at Janaushadhi kendras are 50-90% cheaper than branded ones.
The kendras promote a strip of 10 Atorvastatin 20 mg tablets, used to handle unhealthy levels of cholesterol, for ₹12.10 in contrast with the typical market value of ₹147, which works out to a saving of 92%.
A strip of Glimepiride 2 mg tablets, an anti-diabetic drug, is accessible for ₹5.50 at Janaushadhi shops, which is 91% cheaper than the typical market value of ₹62.
Over 15,400 Janaushadhi kendras have been operational in FY25, registering gross sales of greater than ₹2,000 crore. The federal government has allotted ₹353.5 crore for implementation of the scheme in FY26.
Queries despatched to the Division of Prescribed drugs spokesperson remained unanswered.
