Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya visited Jan Aushadhi stall at the trade fair today to oversee the functioning of the stall. The Minister also appreciated that this stall is providing information about the noble project of the Government of India to make accessible and affordable Health Care throughout the country.

42^nd India International Trade Fair is being held from 14th to 27th November at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Being a part of this International Trade Fair, a demonstration stall has been set up by Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in Hall No. 5 (Stall No. 8-B) where the general public is being made aware of the salient features of this noble project. Through this stall, information is being given to the public about the affordable and high quality medicines of Jan Aushadhi.

As we all are aware that with an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. Under this scheme, dedicated outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras are opened to provide generic medicines. As on 31^st October 2023, 9998 Janaushadhi Kendras are functional across the country. Product basket of PMBJP comprises 1965 drugs and 293 surgical equipment which are sold at retail shops at 50% to 90% cheaper than branded medicines. PMBJP has drastically brought down the prices of more than 1965 quality medicines and making these medicines available within the reach of large section of population, especially the poor and patients with chronic diseases.

In last 9 years, there has been unprecedented growth in number of Kendras which were only 80 in 2014 and have now grown to more than 9998 Kendras almost all districts of the country. In the financial year i.e., 2022-23, PMBI has sold Jan Aushadhi Medicines worth Rs. 1236 Crore which has led to savings of approximately Rs. 7416 Cr. to the citizens. In last 9 years, the no. of Kendras have increased by 100 times and the sales have also increased by more than 170 times. In all, during the past 9 years, total savings of approximately Rs. 23,000 crores for the citizens have been possible due to this noble scheme.

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