New Delhi: Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to delivering affordable and accessible medicine to the poor and deprived sections of society, and that he has established 8600 Jan Aushadhi Centres across India with quality medicines available at a 50 percent discount.
On the occasion of Jan Aushadhi week, which runs from March 1 to 7, the Union Minister added that the Jan Aushadhi Kendras are run with the goal of keeping medicine costs low.
"Illness strikes without warning. It affects both the rich and the poor, but when a rich person becomes ill, he has the financial means to purchase medicines, however when a poor person becomes ill, this does not occur "he said.
Jan Aushadhi Week is being observed from March 1 to 7, and the Centre has arranged a number of events across the country to raise awareness about the importance of Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
A padayatra has been organised in 75 cities throughout the country on the first day of Jan Aushadhi week, according to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was started in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, with the goal of making quality generic medications affordable to all. According to the ministry, dedicated outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras will be built under the scheme to provide generic medications at low prices.
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