Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana launched
Generic medicines now available in health centres: CM
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, May 05 2017:
With an aim to ensure access to good quality medicines at a cheaper price, Chief Minister N Biren Singh launched Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) by opening the first Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra (PMB JK) of the State at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) today.
The launching ceremony held under the theme "Quality Medicines at Affordable Prices for All" was jointly organised by Directorate of Medical and Health Services and State Health Mission.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Biren maintained that the Central Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is firmly committed to providing quality medicines at an affordable price to the people of the country.
He said that in line with the commitment, the State Government decided to launch the scheme at the earliest after Union Minister of State for Chemical and Fertilizers, Mansukh L Mandaviya discussed the matter with him during the recent Minister's visit to the State.
He said that people would now get generic medicines which have same composition with branded drugs at a much cheaper price from PMBJKs.
Appreciating the keen interest shqwn by the Union Minister and State Health Minister in launching the
scheme in a short period of time, the CM informed that medicines under the scheme will be available in all the District Hospitals and Sub-District Hospitals from today onwards.
PMBJP scheme is one of the important parts of the 100 days vision programme of BJP Government, he added.
He exhorted his Council of Ministers to discharge their duty with utmost dedication and sincerity towards serving the people.
Commenting on the State Government's commitment towards bringing all round development in the State, Biren assured that he would convene review meetings of developmental works and projects being undertaken in all the districts on a regular basis.
Informing that the Government convened a review meeting of the hill districts yesterday, he said that a representative of Government comprising of Commissioner (Health) and engineers of PWD will be sent to Tamenglong to look after the poor supply of drinking water and deplorable roads in the district.
He made it clear that the Government will not spare those who issue fake driving license to vehicles plying on the National Highways.
Union Minister Mansukh L Mandaviya who attended the occasion as guest of honour said that the Central Government had affirmed to take on the mantle of making healthcare affordable to the middle class and poor people of the country.
Saying that people need not worry about the quality of generic medicines available under PMBJP, the Union Minister clarified that these medicines/drugs had been tested at multiple levels and certified by WHO.
He observed that healthcare usually requires huge sum of money and it sometimes gives a big burden to poor families.
Madaviya expressed hope that PMBJP would give a great relief of sigh to the people of the country as selected medicines and medical devices would now be available at affordable prices under the scheme.
He also urged the doctors to prescribe generic medicines instead of costly branded medicines in order to help the poor people.
Taking part in the launching ceremony as functional president, Health and Family Welfare Minister L Jayantakumar urged the public not to spread wrong propaganda against generic medicines.
He said that quality had not been compromised in manufacturing generic medicines, which are to be distributed under PMBJP and exuded confidence that the medical fraternity of the State would join hands with the Government in making PMBJP a success.
The dignitaries present at the function also distributed licences for opening 26 PMBJKs in different parts of the State.
Later, the Chief Minister opened the first PMBJK of the State at the Block adjacent to JNIMS OPD.
It may be mentioned that the Government provides more than 600 medicines and 154 medical devices at an affordable price through PMBJKs.