Sir,

The scheme of selling medicines at subsidised cost in Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras by Government of India for the benefit of common man, poor people in particular, is launched about three years back. I hadn’t experienced the benefit so far as I never thought of going there since it’s a habit to buy from regular outlets.

I just gave it a try recently in one such outlet, off Kalidasa Road in Mysuru. I was really surprised. The well-informed Pharmacist, with a warm gesture and with the online support, dispensed the drugs based on prescription. He advised on the generic contents and their combinations available. Best part was the bill. It was almost 75 per cent less than what I used to pay monthly in regular pharmacy.

While I notice lot of people waiting in regular pharmacies, it surprises me why still people won’t go to Jan Aushadhi Kendras? I heard that it’s partly due to wrong impression that medicines from such subsidised outlets aren’t of good quality and also due to belief that all drugs aren’t available. I got all the seven different drugs prescribed by my Physician for my mother without any confusion whatsoever.

It pains one to hear that a few outlets got closed because of less turnovers.  I feel the benefit of the Jan Aushadhi Kendras need to be informed through all possible ways like print, digital and social media so as to reach common man.

People who suffer the pain of high expense on regular medicine should buy from these outlets. Further, such people-friendly schemes should also be supported by doctors and hospitals by advising medicine by generic name as per rules and avoid prescribing by brand names.

– L. Arun Pandit, Vijayanagar 1st Stage, 25.10.2018

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