In a big leap to the Department of Pharmaceutical (DoP)'s ambitious Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme, the Union Railway Ministry has given its in-principle nod to open Janaushadhi Kendras at railway stations and other railway establishments across the country.

In this regard, Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananthkumar held a detailed discussion recently with the Minister of Railways, Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu for opening of Janaushadhi Kendras at Railway Stations and other Railway establishments. “We will utilize the vast railway infrastructure to increase accessibility to affordable, quality generic drugs for the common man,” Ananthkumar said.

Assuring firm support to the PMBJP scheme from Ministry of Railways’ side, Prabhu informed that an in-principle decision to open Janaushadhi Kendras at Railway Stations and other Railway establishments has been taken during the discussions with Ananthkumar. Railways being the largest employer in India, the amalgamation of efforts between the two Ministries for the percolation of generic drugs would increase their accessibility to the common man manifold, Prabhu added.

Ananthkumar said that the Government is pursuing in full force the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to make affordable and quality medicines accessible to all citizens of the country. The Minister added that currently over 1600 Janaushadhi Kendras have been opened in over 450 districts across India under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) and all the drugs available at these stores meet the WHO GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) benchmarks.

The Ministers have directed senior officers of the two Ministries to work out the modalities and the strategy for roll out of the plan in detail.