In a groundbreaking move, Amit Shah, Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, along with Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers & Health and Family Welfare, addressed the National Mega Conclave on 'PACS as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra.' The conclave, held under the theme ‘Sahakar-se-Samriddhi,’ aimed to showcase the significant initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Cooperation and the progress achieved so far.
Over the last nine years, approximately Rs. 26,000 crores of funds belonging to economically disadvantaged individuals have been saved through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, providing access to generic medicines at 50-90% lower prices.
Widening the Scope of PACS
Under the newly adopted model byelaws, the Ministry of Cooperation has expanded the scope of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) beyond their original function of dealing with agricultural credits at the grassroots level. PACS is now empowered to explore various avenues, including the establishment of Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Transformative Healthcare Initiatives
Amit Shah highlighted several other pivotal healthcare initiatives undertaken by the Union Government, such as the Ayushman Bharat initiative, Mission Indradhanush, Jal Jeevan Mission, Digital Health, Malaria Elimination Mission, and TB Mukt Bharat Initiative. These initiatives have collectively transformed the healthcare landscape, improving infrastructure and reducing the cost of medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Strengthening PACS and Expanding Access
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya revealed plans to open 2,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras through PACS in the first phase, with over 2,300 applications from PACS already approved by the Dept. of Pharmaceuticals. Opening Jan Aushadhi Kendras through PACS aims to strengthen cooperative organizations and broaden the availability of quality and affordable medicines across the country.
Benefits of the Jan Aushadhi Scheme
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the merits of the Jan Aushadhi scheme, particularly for the economically disadvantaged. With more than 10,500 Jan Aushadhi Kendras operating nationwide, offering over 1,965 high-quality medicines and 293 surgical and other products at significantly reduced prices, the scheme strives to provide accessible healthcare and employment opportunities.
Certificates and Participant Satisfaction
During the conclave, Union Ministers presented symbolic certificates of store codes to PACS representatives from Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Representatives from various PACS expressed satisfaction with the implemented policies and shared their positive experiences under the newly adopted model bylaws.
The event was attended by key officials from the Ministry of Cooperation, Dept. of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and participants from Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana and PACS from across the country.
