J&K sets up first Jan Aushadi medical store at Nowgam railway station

Hamir, a resident of Nowgam, said that the facility of the medical shop was a very good decision by the government to help the poor.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "I feel this is a very good step by the government to help the poor people. Several poor people here cannot afford the medicines and even during emergencies, the medical shop at the railway station has proven very beneficial. Anyone can come and get the medicines at an affordable rate."

Another villager, Zubair, said that 90 per cent of the people visiting the railway station are poor and the medicine shop has proved helpful as it gives authentic medicines.

"90 per cent of the people who come to the railway station here are poor and cannot afford the medicines at the normal rate. This medical store offers authentic medicines at an affordable rate and it has helped poor people a lot. The people are very happy with this initiative of the government," he said.

Another resident, Namita, said that the government should further take the initiative to introduce such medical stores in more and more villages.

"I feel it is a huge help in a financial aspect and it has really proven beneficial for a lot of people of the lower sections of the society. I feel the government should take the initiative of introducing such stores in more villages around the country," she said.

With an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India in November, 2008. Under the scheme, dedicated outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras are opened to provide generic medicines at affordable prices. As on June 30, 12616 Janaushadhi Kendras are functional across the country. Product basket of PMBJP comprises 2047 drugs and 300 surgical items.