Karnataka halts Jan Aushadhi centres in government hospitals citing policy conflict
For centres already functioning inside government hospitals, the government has directed that they be closed in accordance with existing agreements. Hospitals have also been instructed to negotiate special pricing with the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) or procure generic medicines directly from BPPI to distribute free of cost to patients.This move aims to align medicine distribution policies more closely with government regulations and ensure patients have access to affordable medicines without conflicting procurement channels.Jan Aushadhi centres, under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), is a government initiative that provides affordable, quality generic medicines to the public through dedicated stores.advertisement
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Business Standard
30-07-2025
- Business Standard
Govt scheme helps Indians save money on medicines: You can benefit, too
Medicine costs can weigh heavily on household budgets, especially for those managing chronic conditions. But the government says that its scheme is helping Indians manage such costs. Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have helped citizens to save around Rs 38,000 crore in 11 years, according to data presented to Parliament by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. There were 16,912 Jan Aushadhi stores nationwide as of June, providing affordable generic medicines and surgical products, according to a PTI report. What is the Jan Aushadhi scheme? Launched in 2008 and revamped in 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) aims to make quality medicines available at affordable prices. Generic drugs, sold under their chemical name rather than a brand, are said to be just as effective as their branded counterparts. According to PMBJP's website, the scheme covers: -2,110 medicines and 315 surgical products -61 surgical equipment categories -Medicines priced 50-80 per cent lower than popular branded options Health care costs PTI reported, Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, told Rajya Sabha the scheme has helped people to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses on health. According to data from National Health Accounts, such expenses fell from 62.6 per cent of total health expenditure in 2014-15 to 39.4 per cent in 2021-22. The government now plans to expand the network to 25,000 kendras by March 2027. Branded vs Jan Aushadhi: A quick comparison A look at the price list of common medicines shows the steep difference between Jan Aushadhi and branded products: Medicine Name Jan Aushadhi Price (₹) Popular Brand Price (₹) Telmisartan 40mg (BP) 2.26 (per tab) 10–12 Metformin 500mg 1.06 (per tab) 4–6 Atorvastatin 10mg 3.19 (per tab) 7–10 Pantoprazole 40mg 2.20 (per tab) 6–8 Amoxicillin 500mg 1.80 (per cap) 5–7 Paracetamol 500mg 0.7 (per tab) 1-3 Source: Jan Aushadhi price list, 30 July 2025; market rates from pharmacy portals Should you switch? If you're managing long-term health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or acidity, switching to Jan Aushadhi equivalents could lead to monthly savings. However, always consult your doctor before switching brands, as not all formulations may be identical in inactive ingredients or in dosage form.
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- India Gazette
With Africa, India seeks not to compete, but to cooperate: PM Modi
Windhoek [Namibia], July 10 (ANI): Hailing the relations between India and Africa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the ties are based on respect, equality and mutual benefit. He stated that India seeks to cooperate with Africa and not to compete. While addressing the Joint Session of the Namibian Parliament on Wednesday, PM Modi noted that India's development partnership in Africa is worth more than 12 billion dollars. He expressed India's support for Africa's Agenda 2063 Industrialisation and readiness to expand cooperation in defence and security. PM Modi said, 'In 2018, I had laid out ten principles of our engagement with Africa. Today, I reaffirm India's full commitment to them. They are based on respect, equality, and mutual benefit. We seek not to compete, but to cooperate. Our goal is to build together. Not to take, but to grow together. Our development partnership in Africa is worth over 12 billion dollars. But its real value is in shared growth and shared purpose. We continue to build local skills, create local jobs, and support local innovation.' 'We believe that Africa must not be just a source of raw materials. Africa must lead in value creation and sustainable growth. That is why we fully support Africa's Agenda 2063 for industrialisation. We are ready to expand our cooperation in Defence and Security. India values Africa's role in world affairs. We championed Africa's voice during our G20 presidency. And we proudly welcomed the African Union as a permanent member of the G20,' he added. PM Modi recalled how India supported Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing vaccines and medicines. He mentioned that India's 'Aarogya Maitri' initiative supports Africa with hospitals, equipment, medicines and training. 'During the pandemic, we stood with Africa - providing vaccines and medicines, even when many others refused to share. Our 'Aarogya Maitri' initiative supports Africa with hospitals, equipment, medicines, and training. India is ready to supply Namibia with a Bhabhatron radiotherapy machine for advanced cancer care. This machine, developed in India, has been deployed in 15 countries, and has helped nearly half a million patients in different countries with critical cancer care,' he said. He invited Namibia to join the Jan Aushadhi programme for access to affordable and quality medicines. He said, 'We also invite Namibia to join the Jan Aushadhi programme for access to affordable and quality medicines. Under this programme, cost of medicines in India has been brought down by 50 to 80 percent. It is helping more than 1 million Indians daily. And so far it has helped patients save nearly 4.5 billion US dollars in healthcare costs.' He emphasised that India and Namibia have much in common. He stated that the constitutions of India and Namibia guide the people of the two nations to uphold equality, liberty, and justice. He said, 'India and Namibia have much in common. We both fought colonial rule. We both value dignity and freedom. Our Constitutions guide us to uphold equality, liberty, and justice. We are part of the Global South, and our people share the same hopes and dreams.' PM Modi stated that he is honoured to receive Namibia's highest civilian award 'as a symbol of the friendship between our peoples.' Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred on PM Modi the highest civilian award of Namibia - 'Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis'. Emphasising that the friendship between the two nations has stood the test of time, he said, 'Like the tough, and elegant plants of Namibia, our friendship has stood the test of time. It quietly thrives in even the driest seasons. And, just like your national plant Welwitschia Mirabilis, it only grows stronger with age and time. On behalf of 1.4 billion people of India, I once again thank the President, the Government and the people of Namibia for this honour.' He noted that India attaches great importance to its historic ties with Namibia. He stated that India sees great value in working together on Namibia's Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan. PM Modi said, 'India attaches great importance to its historic relations with Namibia. We not only value our ties from the past, but we are also focused on realising the potential of our shared future. We see great value in working together on Namibia's Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan.' 'And, at the heart of our partnership are our people. Over 1700 Namibians have benefited from scholarships and capacity building programmes in India. We are excited to support the next generation of Namibian scientists, doctors, and leaders. The Centre of Excellence in IT, the India Wing at the JEDS Campus of the University of Namibia, and training in defence and security - each one of them reflects our shared belief that capacity is the best currency,' he added. PM Modi expressed happiness as Namibia was one of the first nations in the region to adopt India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI). He noted that the bilateral trade between India and Namibia has crossed 800 million dollars. He said, 'Speaking of currency, we are thrilled that Namibia is among the first countries in the region to adopt India's UPI - Unified Payments Interface. Soon, people will be able to send money faster than one can say 'Tangi Unene.' Soon, a Himba grandmother in Kunene, or a shopkeeper in Katutura, will be able to go digital with just a tap - faster than a Springbok.' 'Our bilateral trade has crossed 800 million dollars. But, like on the cricket field, we are just warming up. We will score faster and score more. We are honoured to support Namibia's youth through the new Entrepreneurship Development Centre. It will be a place where business dreams can get mentorship, funding and friends too,' he added. Concluding his remarks, PM Modi wished Namibia great success in co-hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup. 'I conclude by wishing Namibia great success in co-hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup. And, if your Eagles need any cricket tips, you know whom to call,' he said, evoking another round of applause. Eagles is the nickname of the Namibian men's national cricket team. The 2027 Cricket World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. PM Modi received a standing ovation and non-stop applause after his address at the Namibian Parliament. After his address in the parliament, PM Modi in a post on X wrote, 'It was an honour to speak on India-Namibia friendship, our bond with Africa and India's efforts for global good, during my address to the Namibian Parliament.' PM Modi stated that he interacted with Namibian MPs following his address. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, 'Interacted with MPs from Namibia after my address to their Parliament. Their positivity towards India is clearly visible!' PM Modi concluded his five-nation visit and departed for New Delhi on Wednesday, marking the end of a significant diplomatic journey that took him to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and finally Namibia. (ANI)
Hans India
09-07-2025
- Hans India
PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra inaugurated in Jamnagar to provide affordable medicines to all
Jamnagar: In a major boost to affordable healthcare in Gujarat, Jamnagar MP Poonamben Maadam inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra on Wednesday at Guru Gobind Government Hospital. The event saw the presence of the city's Mayor, BJP leaders, and the District Chief, marking a significant milestone in the region's healthcare infrastructure. The Jan Aushadhi Kendra, part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), aims to make quality medicines accessible to all, particularly the economically weaker sections, at significantly lower prices. The initiative fulfills Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'quality healthcare for all.' Speaking to IANS, Maadam said, 'We are committed to making healthcare affordable and accessible to the people. This Jan Aushadhi Kendra is a step towards that goal. I urge citizens to buy medicines from here — they are effective, safe, and far more affordable than branded alternatives.' She emphasised that the Jan Aushadhi Kendras offer a wide range of essential medicines, from diabetes care to daily health needs, at reduced prices. Several such Kendras have already been established across Jamnagar city to cater to the local population. Launched in November 2016, the PMBJP is a flagship initiative by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India. The goal is to make high-quality generic medicines available at affordable rates through Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. These generic alternatives match the quality and efficacy of branded drugs while easing the financial burden on patients. The PMBJP currently offers an impressive product basket of over 2,000 medicines and 300 surgical items, covering a broad range of therapeutic categories. This ensures that citizens can find effective treatments without compromising on quality. The scheme has witnessed exponential growth. As of October 20, 2024, Jan Aushadhi medicine sales for the financial year 2024-25 had already crossed Rs 1,000 crore, a testament to the program's success and public trust. Notably, in September 2024 alone, the sales touched Rs 200 crore. The number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras has skyrocketed from just 80 in 2014 to more than 14,000 today — a 170-fold increase in a decade. This expansion demonstrates the government's unwavering commitment to reaching every corner of India with affordable and reliable healthcare solutions. With growing support from citizens and government alike, the PMBJP continues to transform India's healthcare landscape — one affordable medicine at a time.
