Govt to widen availability of meds at its generic drug stores

At present, 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical items are sold at Janaushadhi kendras

- Priyanka Sharma

The government is taking steps to offer more drugs, including those for cancer and neurological diseases, at cheaper prices. The department of pharmaceuticals plans to sell an additional 100 key drugs at government-run generic drug stores to widen the range of generics available at affordable prices, two officials familiar with the matter said.

"The department is considering the expansion of the product basket of the Janaushadhi scheme," one official said. "Newer lifesaving drugs used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, diabetes, cancer and antibiotics are being added to the list."