About 3,000 Jan Aushadhi Stores to be Opened in 2 Years

Mr Sreekumar blamed many state governments including Kerala for their lack of interest in taking initiative to effectively utilise the Centre's people-friendly programme and make it more successful.

He said under the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, state governments are required to provide space in government hospital premises or any other suitable locations for the running of the Jan Aushadhi Stores.

"Unfortunately, there is no encouraging response from some states like Kerala," he said.

Mr Sreekumar said Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India would provide one-time assistance of Rs.2.50 lakhs as furnishing and establishment costs, start up cost for setting up a Jan Aushadhi Outlet.

Any NGO/Charitable Society/Institution/Self Help Group with experience of minimum three years of successful operation in welfare activities, can also open the Jan Aushadhi store outside the hospital premises.

Over dependence on support from state government, poor supply chain management, non-prescription of generic medicines by doctors, state governments launching free supply of drugs and lack of awareness among the public were some of the reasons why there is a delay in picking up the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, he said.