Making medicines of reliable quality at affordable prices to the large population has been a challenge in India since long. This paper is about two initiatives taken recently in this direction: PMBJP and AMRIT Retail Pharmacy. We have analysed these schemes in this paper and enquired about issues with them and possible solutions. PMBJP was launched initially in 2008 and later revived in 2015. As on 31.01.2024, 10607 Janaushadhi Kendras were functional across the country. AMRIT retail pharmacy network offers drugs, implants, surgical disposables and other consumables at high discounts. It aims at affordable and reliable pharmacy service in public sector. The first outlet was started on 15th November 2015 at AIIMS New Delhi. Presently there are 225 AMRIT Pharmacies selling more than 5200 drugs. Beneath the surface, the schemes are grappling with deep-rooted implementation challenges, corruption, unethical practices and private pharma invasion threatening to compromise its noble objectives. These have left the marginalised population including retired individuals or those facing income-related issues still burdened with exorbitant medical expenses and compromised health.
Janaushadhi Kendras, AMRIT, PMBJP, Generics, Reference Product, Marginalised Population, Electoral Bonds Issue, Progressive Socialism
IRE Journals:
Vaishnavi Sharma , Nidhi Sahu , Prof. R P Singh
"Medicines Affordable for the Masses in India: Critical Vexes" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 7 Issue 10 2024 Page 44-48
IEEE:
Vaishnavi Sharma , Nidhi Sahu , Prof. R P Singh
"Medicines Affordable for the Masses in India: Critical Vexes" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 7(10)