JAN AUSHADHI AT CROSSROADS

Jan Aushadhi programme, started by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in August 2008, was a bold initiative to provide generic drugs at affordable prices to the masses. By selling drugs with their chemical names, prices are bound to be far cheaper than the branded products as there are no promotional costs involved. In a market where almost 80 per cent of the drugs are outside price control, the government initiative was perceived as a great relief to millions of poor patients. The Department’s objective was to set up one generic store in each district of the country with the support of the state governments and NGOs. To start with, the state governments were expected to provide space in government hospitals for starting these stores. NGOs and charitable bodies were also expected to be approached by the Department for setting up generic stores. The Department had identified 300 widely used drugs belonging to 16 therapeutic categories to be sold through these stores. Public sector drug companies were approached to support the venture by ensuring adequate supply of generic drugs to these stores. The initial target of the programme was to open at least 100 generic stores in one year in various parts of the country. But, only 25 stores could be opened so far although the Department is hopeful of opening at least 275 stores by March 2010. This target appears to be almost impossible looking at the current state of affairs.