STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra (PMJAK) and Ayushman Bharat like initiatives, started by the Modi Govt, are aimed at providing affordable healthcare to all.
On the occasion of Jan Aushadhi Divas today the Minister visited the newly built Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadi Kendra (PMJAK) at AIIMS New Delhi. Interacting with the patients and their attendants at the Kendra, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra and Ayushman Bharat are testimonies to the Prime Minister’s pro-people governance, providing accessible and cost-effective medical care to citizens across the nation.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who is also a renowned endocrinologist, took the opportunity to personally inspect the medicines available at the Kendra. He compared their prices with market prices and was delighted to see significant savings, with medicines costing up to 90% less than their commercial counterparts. He also expressed satisfaction with the well-maintained stock, including essential medicines and affordable sanitary napkins, which are priced at just Rs.1 each.
During his visit, Dr. Jitendra Singh spoke from his experience as a medical professional, recalling how many individuals used to skip necessary medications for diabetes and blood pressure due to unaffordability. However, with the introduction of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadi Kendra, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, accessible healthcare has become a reality for the masses. Dr. Singh also interacted with people who had benefited from these affordable medical services, noting their positive feedback on the efficacy of the medicines.
Dr. Singh met several citizens who shared their experiences of receiving treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Many mentioned undergoing cashless surgeries under the scheme and subsequently accessing affordable medicines at PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
The Union Minister also lauded the Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkin, priced at Rs. 1 per pad, as a significant initiative to ensure menstrual health services are accessible to women across India. He highlighted that such efforts are vital for improving the health and well-being of women, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Dr.Jitendra Singh also acknowledged the remarkable growth of PM Jan Aushad iKendras, which has expanded from just 80 centers in 2014 to over 15,000 centers today, covering 765 out of 766 districts in the country. He directed officials to incorporate modern technology to streamline inventory management and ensure real-time monitoring of stock to maintain consistent service delivery. Dr. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS New Delhi, accompanied the Minister during the visit.