Jan Aushadhi Diwas celebrated at Dharamsala’s Zonal Hospital

‘Jan Aushadhi Diwas’ was recently organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare at the Zonal Hospital in Dharamsala. The event commemorates the nationwide Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana, envisioned by the Prime Minister, aimed at providing generic medicines at affordable prices. The programme was presided over by Lok Sabha MP Dr Rajiv Bhardwaj and Rajya Sabha MP Indu Goswami.

Dr Rajiv Bhardwaj stated that, on the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, March 7 is celebrated as “Jan Aushadhi Diwas” each year across the country to raise awareness about the scheme and promote the use of generic medicines. He emphasised that the goal of this day is to ensure quality medicines are accessible to all, especially focusing on the needs of the most marginalised individuals.

Dr Bhardwaj added that the scheme, launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Government of India, aims to provide affordable generic medicines to the public. As part of this initiative, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, dedicated outlets offering these medicines, have been established. Currently, there are 15,000 active Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country, with 76 located in Himachal.

According to Dr Bhardwaj, Kangra district is home to 16 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, while Chamba district has seven. These centres offer over 2,000 types of medicines and 300 surgical products at prices reduced by 50 to 80 per cent.

On this occasion, Rajya Sabha MP Indu Goswami highlighted the impact of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has benefitted the common people the most. She added that the Central Government’s health schemes are strengthening the institutional structure of healthcare across the country. Dr Rajesh Guleri, CMO of Kangra, stated that the goal of the campaign is to raise public awareness about the Jan Aushadhi initiative.