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| Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi kendra at Bakshi Nagar, Jammu |
Jammu, January: The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) launched in 2014 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, operates to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the poor and disadvantaged through special kendras known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra. These kendras have been set up to provide generic drugs at lower prices and equivalent quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs.
Rakesh Kumar, a pharmacist at a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu said: “This is one of the oldest Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Jammu, started in 2014, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who did video conferencing from here 6 months back.”. At present, there are 250-300 essential medicines at the kendra which mainly consists of essential medicines for diabetes, blood pressure, gastroenteritis, antibiotics and multi-vitamins. Rakesh further said, “Being a Blood Pressure patient, I have started using generic medicines myself. Earlier, my medicines used to cost between Rs 180-200, whereas now they cost me just Rs 20. This is because the middlemen are removed from the cycle. Now the benefits of cheap medication can be directly availed by the common public.” Even as these medicines are much cheaper than branded medicines, they do not compromise in its quality. “Medicines which are available in the market for Rs 150 are available in generic stores for Rs 14-15 with same salts and same results,” added Rakesh, whose pharmacy was crowded with customers. Rakesh attributes the increase in awareness among people to be the reason behind increased demand of generic medicines. As people prefer generic medicines for their affordability and the trust they have built after trying it themselves. “In every 4-6 months, a drugs inspector visits the pharmacy for inspecting the quality and supply of medicines”, said Rakesh Kumar.
Manish Kaul, a customer, outside the Kendra said, “I have been asking the pharmacist to restock Telma AM (used for blood pressure) for over a month. But each time he said there was shortage in supply.” The supply for most generic medicine stores in Jammu comes from the New India Medicine House, stationed in Gandhinagar, Jammu.
“For the past one year now, I have been using generic medicines as they are very economical as compared to standard medicines and also very effective. A gluco-meter, (used to measure blood glucose levels) earlier costed me Rs 1,000, whereas in the generic store I get it for just Rs 100,” said Sidra Ali another customer.
Mohd Altaf, who works as a chemist in Amrit Pharmacy, Super Specialty Hospital while talking to the Jammu Enquirer said, “The Pharmacy, started on 18 December, last year provides both standard and generic medicines at a 77% lower rate as compared to the market to help the economically weaker sections”. He added, “Euro bag which costs Rs 180 in the market is available here in just Rs 52”. Pointing out at the empty shelves, Altaf said, “We are out of stock for many medicines at the moment, however, we are hoping to fill the stock within a month”.
As per World Health Organization (WHO), affordable health products is a global priority and to assure quality medication is the first step towards achieving the sustainable development goals. Every disease management strategy requires access to health products for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care and rehabilitation, suggests the report.
“Gandhinagar is a posh area, so people here are educated and more aware, therefore they prefer to buy generic medicines. However, in the far flung areas of RS Pura, Bishna, Sarwal and Akhnoor, the poor and disadvantaged people are still not aware about generic medicines and those who are aware, are skeptical about it. Largely, the benefit from the scheme is not reaching those for whom it was actually launched,” said Mukesh Bhagat, a chemist at Gandhinagar Government Hospital.
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is in line with the Ayushman Bharat scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 September, 2018, the medicines for the same being made available from various Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the country. There are around 18 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Jammu & Kashmir.
“The administration is very supportive in promoting generic medicines as most doctors are now prescribing generic medicines to their patients. Chander Parkash, medical superintendent, Gandhinagar Government Hospital has suggested chemists to take pictures of prescriptions that do not promote generic medicines. However, the State government is not doing enough to promote it”, said Mukesh Bhagat, chemist at the hospital.
“Shortage in supply of medicines is another loophole, especially anti fungal medicines like Itra Conzole,” he further pointed out.
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