Following the success of Jeevandhara Scheme in Visakhapatnam district, a concept developed by Visakhapatnam district collector, J Syamala Rao IAS, in order to promote generic drugs and make life saving generic products available to the public at minimum possible prices, in Visakhapatnam district, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to replicate it across the state.

The state government has already issued orders to establish Jeevandhara Pharmacies through out the state. The generic medicine retail outlets will be opened in all leaching, district and area hospitals in the state with immediate effect and gradually expand the network through out all districts covering urban centres and all mandals over a period of time. The Andhra Pradesh Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (APMSIDC) was notified as nodal agency for the procurement and supply of generic medicines. District collectors of Krishna, Nellore, West Godavari, East Godavari, Ananthpur, Karimnagar, Guntur, Kurnool, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram have already replicated the concept and opened generic stores.

Meanwhile, the Visakhapatnam district administration will open shortly Jeevandhara Pharmacy stores at Peda Waltair and is planning to open at Gajuwaka, Gopalpatnam, Madhurawada, Gnanapuram and other rural areas of the district. It is planning to introduce oncology drugs through Jeevandhara Pharmacies immediately. It has also plans to introduce morphine tablets and Fentenyl patches for the pain palliative care and pain treatment of cancer patients.

The district authorities said that the campaign is self sustaining business model not dependent on government subsidies or assistance. It would be run in a campaign mission mode on the principle of not for profit but with nominal profits. The authorities added that it would establish and emphasize the efficiency and potency of generic medicine, such that quality of medicines will be affordable by all to lead better quality of life.