Focus on opening new stores as availability has substantially improved: Hansraj Gangaram Ahir
The Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers will be focusing on opening new Jan Aushadhi Stores (JAS) as availability has substantially improved. According to Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers, all out efforts are made to open at least 200 more JAS during this financial year 2015-16.
In response to a question in the Lok Sabha, the Minister said that of the 182 JAS opened across 16 States/ UTs, only 111 are operational as of July 13 this year. Steps are also being taken to open JAS in all AIIMS, prominent hospitals, medical colleges under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
The Minister also mentioned that remedial measures proposed by the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) have also been implemented. For instance, the number of products under the scheme have been increased from 361 to 504 medicines and 161 surgical and consumable items. The supply chain mechanism has been improved through by appointing distributors and C&F agents in different states while the operating agency i.e., BPPI has been strengthened through augmenting of manpower. Finally, there has been a relaxation in the eligibility criteria of operating agency for JAS.
The Minister further mentioned that after the revival of the Indian Drugs & Phamaceuticals Ltd (IDPL) and Hindustan Antibiotics Ltd, (HAL), the Pharma Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), they will play an important role with regards to providing medicines for the scheme.
BPPI has initiated various steps to increase the basket of products and services with a list of 504 medicines and 161 consumables. Rate contract for 314 medicines has already been finalised and the tender for remaining 190 medicines has also been published. 131 medicines have already been identified for PSUs and a list of 173 medicines have already been forwarded to pharma PSUs for exploring the possibility of undertaking the manufacturing of the same.
EP News Bureau – Mumbai
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