Jan Aushadhi is a citizen centric initiative taken by Govt. of India, Dept. of Pharmaceuticals, and Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers. The Govt. has incorporated Bureau of Pharma PSU’s of India (BPPI) as a separate entity under the ministry to oversee the operations & effective implementation of the scheme.
The scheme aims at making quality medicines available at affordable prices for all, particularly the poor and disadvantaged, through exclusive outlets “PradhanMantriJanAushadhi Kendra”, so as to reduce out of pocket expenses in healthcare.
Currently the scheme is providing more than 700+ types of medicines in various categories of medicines like Analgesics; Antibiotics; Anti-diabetic drugs; Anti-Neoplastic; Anthelmintics; Vitamins, Minerals & food supplements; Respiratory & Anti-Allergic; Cardiovascular drugs; Surgical items etc.. at a very low affordable cost
There are more than 2500+ stores across Indian with around 270 in Karnataka alone. Indian Red Cross Society, Karnataka State Branch (IRCS, KSB) realized the need for affordable health care for an inclusive society and signed a tripartite agreement with BPPI & BBMP (Govt. of Karnataka) to open 7 centers in Bengaluru. IRCS, KSB is operating 4 stores located at NR Colony; Prakash Nagar, Tavarekere&Moodalapalya. The state branch aims at opening the remaining 3 centers within 2018. IRCS, KSB along with its other humanitarian work plans for expansion in this area with a mission of “Inclusive Health Care for all” along with various health allied activities.