Medical Education Dept not keen on Jan Aushadhi Kendras at govt hospitals

BENGALURU: For the poor, vulnerable populations and those with lifestyle disease, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras have come as a boon as drugs are available at affordable rates.

However, the state Medical Education Department does not so to be keen on opening more centres at government hospitals as the state government is not giving permission to implement the scheme in the name of the Prime Minister. There is speculation that the Congress government in the state may be planning to end the scheme named after the PM.

Citizens are now questioning the government as to why Jan Aushadhi Kendras should not be opened near government hospitals as drugs will be available at affordable costs.

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras provide medicines at a lower price to people. They have been on the premises of government hospital ever since they were launched. But now, the state Medical Education Department is saying that it is a new scheme in the name of the Prime Minister and not giving permission to open more such Kendras.

When asked about the scheme, Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil said that they will not allow new Jan Aushadi stores to open on government hospital premises for any reason. “People are provided free medicines at government hospitals, so why should people buy medicines by paying money?” he asked.

The prices of medicines at Jan Aushadhi kendras are50-90 per cent per cent lower than at regular medical stores.

1. The price for Dolo tablets is Rs 15 for one strip at Jan Aushadhi centre, while it is Rs 30 at regular medical stores.

2. The price for diabetes tablets is Rs 6 for one strip at Jan Aushadhi centre, while it is Rs 20 at regular medical stores.

3. The price for BP tablets is Rs 12 for 10 tablets at Jan Aushadhi centres, while it is Rs 20 at regular medical stores.

4. The price for Cholesterol Atorva  is Rs 09 for one strip at a Jan Aushadhi centre and Rs 50 at regular medical stores.

5.  Crepe bandage costs Rs 36 at a Jan Aushadhi centre while it is priced at Rs 150 at regular medical stores.

6. The price for paracetamol is Rs 7 at Jan Aushadhi centre per strip, while it is Rs 25 to Rs 30 at regular medical stores

7. The price for cough syrup is Rs 54 for a bottle at Jan Aushadhi centre, while it is Rs 150 at regular medical stores.