Punjab Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education and Research and Elections minister Dr Balbir Singh said that Jan Aushadhi Kendras in various parts of the state are proving to be a boon for common people as quality and cheaper medicines are available at these centers.
He was speaking at the state-level event to mark the 5th Jan Aushadhi Diwas under the Prime Minister Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi project, at District Hospital here today. Addressing an impressive gathering of doctors, the operators of Jan Aushadhi Kendras and beneficiaries from across the state, the Health Minister said that medicines are available in these centers at 50 to 90 percent cheaper rates compared to the market rates , which is greatly benefiting the common people.
He said that out of pocket expenses due to high medicine prices are pushing eighty percent of patients below the poverty line. He added that more than 1759 high-quality medicines and 280 surgical and other products are available in these Kendras.
The cabinet minister said that although these centers are functional for a long time in some places,a large number of people have no knowledge about them. He emphasized that the common people should be made aware about these centers which are providing quality medicines, consumables and surgical items at affordable prices.
Speaking about the Aam Aadmi Clinics in Punjab, Dr. Balbir Singh said that under the able leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, these clinics are getting an overwhelming response in the state.
People are coming in large numbers to these clinics where they are getting quality health care services. The big thing is that all these facilities are being provided absolutely free. He asserted that Aam Aadmi Clinics are playing a pivotal role as a doctor is examining 2000 patients per month on an average.
He said that the Punjab government is fully committed to provide effective and quality health facilities to the people of the state. The government is leaving no stone unturned to bring effective improvements in the infrastructure of government health institutions across the state.
On this occasion, the Health Minister also distributed awards to the Jan Aushadhi Center operators and other beneficiaries, which include Jan Aushadhi Sarvshrestha Award, Jan Aushadhi Jyoti Award, Jan Aushadhi Mitra Award and Jan Aushadhi Performer Award respectively to Rajesh Gupta, Surjeet Kumari, Dr. Hardev and Harpreet Singh.
Amongst present on the occasion included Mr V. K. Meena-Principal Secretary-Health and Family Welfare Department, Mrs Aashika Jain- Deputy Commissioner Mohali, Dr. Ranjit Singh Ghotra- Director Health Department, Dr. Adarshpal Kaur- Civil Surgeon Mohali, Dr. S.P. Singh- Director National Health Mission Punjab, Dr Suman Bali-Director PHSC, ADC (UD) Mr Damanjeet Singh Maan, Dr Bhavneet Bharti-Principal Medical College, Senior Medical Officers Dr. H.S. Cheema, Dr Vijay Bhagat and other officers.