Notwithstanding the persistent demands by the small and medium scale pharma units and amid allegations of shortage of medicines, the government still remains non-committal to sourcing medicines from the SMEs for the Jan Aushadhi generic stores run by the chemicals ministry.

“The basket of medicines presently being supplied through the Jan Aushadhi Stores is based on local ailments and requirements generally demanded by the public. The pharma Central Public Sector Undertakings are supplying the medicines currently. Depending on the demand, the medicines are supplied and the list is being expanded,” according to Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Srikant Kumar Jena.

“Sourcing of medicines through the small and medium sector units in the country to enlarge the basket of supply to the Jan Aushadhi Stores will also be explored as and when considered necessary,” he said in the Parliament on the possibility of involving private sector.

When the much-hyped generic outlets were launched in 2008, one of the main attractions highlighted was the involvement of the SMEs which would be asked to supply unbranded generic drugs. Hoping that the move would bring some solace to the dwindling fortunes, the associations representing them have been in touch with the Department of Pharmaceuticals and held several rounds of discussions in this regard.

Besides, the DoP also invited expression of interest from the private players on the supply of drugs. Though it got more than 60 tenders, mainly from the big companies, the proposal did not move further.

After the scheme was launched with the object of ensuring access to quality medicines at affordable prices for all, 81 stores have been opened in various parts of the country so far covering the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttrakhand, Orissa, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi and Chandigarh.

“Through the Jan Aushadhi outlets about 231 generic medicines of the same quality, efficacy and potency as that of branded medicine are being made available at very affordable prices. A total of Rs.2.76 crore of medicines have been supplied to these outlets. Efforts are on to increase the basket of medicines to 350 covering all NLEM medicines,” sources in the DoP said.