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Puri (Odisha): Renowned international sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik has once again used his artistic skills to promote a noble cause. On Thursday, Patnaik spent nearly six hours crafting a stunning sand sculpture on the shores of Puri Beach to raise awareness about ‘Jan Aushadhi Diwas.’
Celebrated annually on March 7, ‘Jan Aushadhi Diwas’ aims to highlight the importance of affordable and quality generic medicines made available through Jan Aushadhi Kendras across India. The initiative, launched under the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana, seeks to ensure access to essential medications at significantly lower prices, benefitting millions across the country.
Speaking to IANS, Patnaik expressed his support for this initiative and explained the inspiration behind his artwork. “This year’s theme for ‘Jan Aushadhi Diwas’ is ‘Daam Kam, Dawai Uttam,’ which emphasizes the affordability and high quality of generic medicines. To align with this theme, I created a sand sculpture showcasing the benefits of Jan Aushadhi Kendras,” he stated. “This is a remarkable initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to improve healthcare accessibility in India. My artwork also features an image of PM Modi to further highlight the importance of this movement.”
The Jan Aushadhi campaign, originally launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, has since expanded significantly. The scheme dispels the misconception that lower-cost medicines compromise on quality and encourages people to opt for generic alternatives that meet stringent regulatory standards.
In observance of ‘Jan Aushadhi Diwas,’ a week-long celebration from March 1 to March 7 is organized nationwide, featuring seminars, health check-up camps, and awareness programs to educate the public about the availability and benefits of generic medicines. These efforts aim to ensure that affordable healthcare reaches every corner of the country, making quality medicines accessible to all.
Patnaik’s sand sculptures have often been a medium of social messaging, and his latest creation serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of affordable healthcare.
Disclaimer: This article is based on available reports and information from IANS. Readers are encouraged to verify details from official government sources for accuracy.
