Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched a credit assistance program for Jan Aushadhi Kendras on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said, “Medicines which are affordable and accessible are an essential requirement for any society. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called them ‘Sanjeevani’ for the poor. From only 80 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in 2014, there are around 11,000 units operating across the country today.”

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He said according to estimation, around 10 to 12 lakh people visit these Jan Aushadhi Kendras every day. Besides getting access to requisite medicines, they have significant savings from the kendras.

Highlighting the Centre’s efforts towards strengthening the network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, Mandaviya said a lot of effort has gone into making the procurement process robust, expanding the basket of products offered, maintaining a regular supply chain network as well as in ensuring stringent quality checks and control.

The minister also emphasised that the government provided financial assistance to individual operators of these Jan Aushadhi Kendras, including additional assistance for those located in remote and hilly regions, to encourage them to open these centres.

He said this has provided small entrepreneurs with financial autonomy besides strengthening the network and reach of Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country.

Expressing his elation at the MoU between the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), the Minister said, “This MoU would emerge as a blessing for the small and new entrepreneurs of Jan Aushadhi Kendras.”

Noting the potential of this MoU in further increasing, strengthening and modernising the network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the country, Mandaviya called upon the concerned officials to highlight the benefits of this initiative to the states and people at the ground level to ensure its optimum utilisation.

He also launched a website for credit assistance to Jan Aushadhi Kendras: https://jak-prayaasloans.sidbi.in/home on the occasion.