Jan Aushadi Shops at All GGHs Soon

Initiative aims to supply affordable generic medicines & curb excessive pricing by pvt dealers

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Vijayawada

The State health department has decided to set up Jan Aushadi shops at all Government General Hospitals (GGHs) to provide affordable generic medicines and curb excessive pricing by private drug retailers.

Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav approved the initiative following a review of existing private medical stores operating at 16 GGHs. Currently, 23 private stores operate in these hospitals, while Nandyal GGH has none. These stores have been flagged for charging profit margins ranging from 50% to 600% on certain drugs, officials said.

The proposed Jan Aushadi outlets will be run by the Indian Red Cross Society under the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadi Pariyojana (PMBJAP). The scheme mandates a maximum profit margin of 15%, aiming to prevent price exploitation. Sales will be monitored using software developed by the Department of Pharmaceuticals to ensure pricing transparency.