88 drugs, surgical products & consumables included in Jan Aushadhi Scheme

New Delhi: With a view to achieving the objective of making available quality medicines at affordable prices, the government has been taking several regulatory and fiscal measures from time to time. This was stated by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Mr Hansraj Gangaram Ahir in the Parliament on March 15, 2016.

The Minister also recalled that in order to provide further relief to the common man in the area of healthcare, a countrywide campaign for ensuring  availability of generic medicines at  affordable prices to all, in the name of “Jan Aushadhi”, was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in November, 2008 in collaboration with the state governments as a direct market intervention strategy.

“Under the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, those Jan Aushadhi Stores proposed within government hospital premises, a one-time financial assistance to the extent of Rs 2.50 Lakh (Rs 1 Lakh for furnishing, Rs 50000/- for computer and peripherals, refrigerator etc. and another Rs 1 Lakh worth medicines to commence operations) is granted,” informed Mr Ahir.

Now the Jan Aushadhi Stores run by private entrepreneurs, pharmacists, Non-Governmental Organizations or charitable organizations that are linked with the Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India (BPPI) which is the implementing agency through internet, will get an incentive upto Rs 1.50 lakh.  This will be given at the rate of 10% of monthly sales subject to a ceiling of Rs 10,000/- per month upto a limit of Rs 1.5 lakhs.  In North-Eastern States, Naxal affected areas and tribal areas , the rate of incentive will be 15% and subject  to a monthly ceiling of Rs 15,000/- and total limit of Rs.1.5 lakhs.  The margin available for the retailers is upto 20% and for distributors upto 10% has also been increased so as to ensure a reasonable level of profitability for them.

Presently 88 drugs and surgical and consumables are included in Jan Aushadhi Scheme. The available medicines (therapeutic category wise) available in the scheme at present are as under: