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New Delhi, October 28 – In a landmark step toward making healthcare affordable for all, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a new Jan Aushadhi Kendra at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. This initiative, part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), reflects the government’s commitment to bridging healthcare inequities by providing high-quality medicines at affordable prices. The launch will also be attended by Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health and Family Welfare.
The new Jan Aushadhi Kendra spans 1,724 square feet and will stock over 2,047 generic medicines and 300 types of surgical devices, catering to the large number of patients who visit AIIMS daily. The facility’s wide range of medications will cover key therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory disorders, and cancer treatments, all offered at rates considerably lower than branded alternatives.
The government’s Jan Aushadhi scheme is gaining traction nationwide, with a mission to make essential medicines accessible to citizens from all walks of life. By reducing the cost of medications — often the most significant expense in healthcare — this initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens, especially for low-income families. Generic medicines, which are scientifically proven to be as effective as branded drugs, have long been advocated as a cost-saving alternative, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras make these generics widely accessible.
Since its inception, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana has expanded rapidly, with over 9,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras established across the country. These centers have become a crucial part of India’s public healthcare strategy, contributing significantly to the reduction of out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures and ensuring that lifesaving drugs reach underserved populations.
In addition to medications, the Kendra will provide a range of 300 surgical devices, including syringes, bandages, and essential medical instruments, making healthcare supplies affordable for both in-patient and out-patient needs. Patients requiring long-term treatments, particularly those with chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes, will benefit most from the savings offered by the Jan Aushadhi Kendra.
Prime Minister Modi has consistently championed healthcare as a fundamental right, and this Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS embodies that vision. “Affordable healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. Through Jan Aushadhi, we are making healthcare more accessible for every Indian,” the Prime Minister remarked in an earlier statement.
The AIIMS Jan Aushadhi Kendra is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives nationwide, promoting the use of quality-assured generic medicines and surgical supplies at prices that all Indians can afford. As it opens its doors, this new Kendra is poised to be a critical step forward in achieving equitable healthcare for all.
The launch of this Jan Aushadhi Kendra marks a significant milestone in the government’s drive to make affordable healthcare a cornerstone of its public health policy, promising a brighter future for millions of Indians seeking accessible, quality healthcare.
