Amritsar: Guru Nanak Dev Hospital plans to set up three Jan Aushadhi stores at cost of Rs 1.79 crore

In order to alleviate the problem of poor patients being unable to obtain expensive medicines, the hospital plans to open a store at its premises that will provide low-cost medicines to patients.

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Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a campaign launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in association with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses through dedicated outlets called Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra.

A group of chemists operating their businesses near the government hospital was accused of selling medicines at high prices. Locals protested against the alleged medical mafia being run by the chemists. They said that the private chemist shops inside as well as outside the hospital charge high prices for the medicines, The tribune reports

Ankur Gupta, a local activist who is part of the protest, said, "Nowadays, it is common knowledge that anybody can get a batch of medicines manufactured by a pharmaceutical company with his desired brand name and the desired MRP. These medicines with higher MRP are then sold to the patients at the hospital. The presence of Jan Aushadhi stores would help in checking the fleecing of poor patients."

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