Jan Aushadhi makes available 88 essential drugs and other medical products

At present, 88 essential drugs as also surgical and consumables are included in the Jan Aushadhi scheme. A total of 488 medicines under various therapeutic categories are available under the scheme, the Lok sabha was informed on Tuesday.

The medicines currently available at Jan Aushadhi Stores include: anti-allergy (8), anti-infective (127), anti-cancer (10), antidiabetic agents (25) central nervous system disease (25), cardio vascular agents (66), eye Nose throat product (2), eye disease (4), gastro intestinal tract disease (55), harmon (3), non-opoidal anti Inflammatory drugs (4), non-steroidal anti Inflammatory drugs (51), nutrient (1), respiratory disease (40), skin disease (18), vaccine (1), vitamins and minerals (28), miscellaneous (20)

The Department of Pharmaceuticals in collaboration with the state governments launched `Jan Aushadhi', in November, 2008 as a direct market intervention strategy in order to make available quality medicines at affordable prices.

In order to provide further relief to the common man in the area of healthcare, the government has undertaken a countrywide campaign for ensuring  availability of generic medicines at  affordable prices to all, minister of state for chemicals and fertilizers Hansraj Gangaram Ahir stated in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Under the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, Jan Aushadhi Stores proposed within government hospital premises are provided with a one-time financial assistance of up to Rs2.50 lakh (Rs1 lakh for furnishing and Rs50,000 for computer and peripherals, refrigerator etc and another Rs1 lakh worth medicines to commence operations).

Besides, the Jan Aushadhi Stores run by private entrepreneurs / pharmacists / non-governmental organisations / charitable organisations that are linked with the Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India (BPPI), the implementing agency, through internet, will get an incentive up to Rs1.50 lakh.

This will be given at the rate of 10 per cent of monthly sales, subject to a ceiling of Rs10,000 per month with an overall limit of Rs1.5 lakh, the minister stated.

In North-Eastern states, Naxal affected areas and tribal areas the rate of incentive will be 15 per cent and subject  to a monthly ceiling of Rs15,000 and total limit of Rs1.5 lakh. Retailers will get margins of up to 20 per cent while distributors will get over 10 per cent.