The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik reviewed the progress of implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna Kendra (PMBJPK) and Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) initiative in J&K.Pertinent to mention that the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India launched a campaign ‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna Kendra (PMBJPK)’, with the objective of providing quality medicines at affordable and lesser prices to the general masses. These medicines have the same quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs. The campaign was undertaken through outlets namely ‘Jan Aushadhi Medical Stores’ opened in various districts.In J&K, the scheme was launched in the year 2010 and the first store was opened at Red Cross Building, Exchange Road Srinagar in 2011 by the then Hon’ble Governor, J&K. As on date, 57 stores have been opened in the State, out of which 45 stores are being run successfully by private entrepreneurs. Opening of additional 25 stores is in pipeline. The Government has also notified the guidelines for opening up/establishment of Jan Aushadi Stores to give further impetus to the scheme. The Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertaking of India (BPPI) provides one time financial assistance upto Rs 2.50 Lakh for establishment of such Jan Aushadhi Medical Stores. Out of the Rs 2.50 Lakh, Rs 1 Lakh is provided by way of free Medicine in the beginning, 0.50 Lakh as reimbursements for computer, printer-scanner, internet etc and Rs 1 Lakh for reimbursement for furniture and fixtures.
Similarly, to provide affordable medicines & implants for treatment of Cancer, Cardio Vascular and other diseases, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India launched a novel initiative -AMRIT. HLL Life Care Ltd. has been selected as the Nodal Agency by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India for setting up of AMRIT Pharmacies in the Country. AMRIT Retail Pharmacy network offers more than 5200 drugs, implants, surgical disposables and other consumables at an average discount upto 60% of MRP through 136 outlets across 22 states.In J&K, sites for 16 AMRIT Retail Pharmacy Stores have been identified at GMC Jammu, SMGS Hospital, Super Specialty Hospital Jammu, Govt. Dental College Jammu, GMC Rajouri, GMC Doda & GMC Kathua in Jammu Division and SMHS Hospital Srinagar, L.D Hospital, Bone & Joint Hospital, SKIMS (near OPD & Emergency Block), Super Specialty Hospital, GMC Baramulla & GMC Anantnag in Kashmir Division. The MoU has been signed between the intending health institutions of Jammu/ Kashmir province and HLL Life Care Limited, New Delhi for the purpose.These stores will provide generic and life saving branded drugs under one roof. Rates offered for all types of drugs and surgical disposables will be highly economical with savings of upto 60% to the patients. These stores will thus serve as a boon for the poor people.