Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at a Jan Aushadhi Kendra on Friday.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday said at least one Jan Aushadhi Kendra will be opened within a 500-metre radius of every hospital in the city.

Jan Aushadhi Kendras sell WHO-certified generic medicines – drugs that contain the same active ingredient as branded ones – at affordable prices. They are opened under Central government’s Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).

“They will particularly benefit economically weaker sections as they provide medicines for illnesses like even cancer and diabetes at much lower prices,” said Ms. Gupta while visiting a kendra in Ashok Vihar, east Delhi on Jan Aushadhi Diwas, celebrated on March 7 every year.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, “#JanAushadhiDiwas reflects our commitment to provide top quality and affordable medicines to people, ensuring a healthy and fit India.”

As of January 31, there were 15,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country, of which 492 were in Delhi.

The Central government has set a target to bring the total number of kendras to 25,000 by March 31, 2027.

Ms. Gupta alleged that the previous AAP government failed to implement the [PMBJP] scheme properly. She added that her government will establish more kendras across the city to ensure access to high-quality medicines at significantly lower prices.

On the implementation of the scheme, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh told The Hindu, “We will ensure that there are no fake medicines, and that quality medicines are available to people at affordable rates.”

The product basket at kendras comprises 2,047 drugs and 300 surgical equipment, which are sold at retail shops at 50 to 80% cheaper than branded medicines.