Barinder Saluja, Chandigarh , Aug 4: The Chandigarh Administration has made the first Jan Aushadhi Generic Drug Store operational at GMCH – 32, Chandigarh. The drug store has been opened as part of Jan Aushadhi campaign initiated by Government of India for making quality medicines available to all at affordable prices. The Jan Aushadhi project is an initiative of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India and is being coordinated by the Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India which would be the main suppliers of the medicines under this project.
At present branded medicines are being sold by the drug manufacturers at higher prices as compared to their unbranded generic equivalents, which are as good in therapeutic value. The “Jan Aushadhi’ initiative will ensure access to quality medicines and health care to all by making drugs available at affordable prices. For example the branded Diclofenac tablets which are available at the average market rate of Rs. 36.70 for a pack of 10 tablets would be sold at the Jan Aushadhi at Rs. 2.10. A 10 tablets strip of a new generation antibiotic priced around Rs. 150/- in the retail market would be available at Rs. 30/-, Tablet Cetrizine (10mg.) would cost Rs. 2.75/- at the Jan Aushadhi outlet whereas the price in the retail market is Rs. 20 /-. even Some medicines costing Rs.2400/- in open market will cost just Rs. 760/- in this store. Over 200 different medicines/surgical items are available at the Jan Aushadhi Generic Drug store, GMSH, Sector 32, Chandigarh.
The Jan Aushadhi Generic Drug Store at GMCH – 32, Chandigarh, has been opened by the Indian Red Cross Society, U.T. Chandigarh under the aegis of the Chandigarh Administration. The outlet will remain operational from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. The Indian Red Cross Society will be opening another Jan Aushadhi Generic Drug Store in GMSH, sector 16, Chandigarh shortly.