Apr 18: The second meeting of the G-20 Health Working Group held in Goa from 17th-19th April 2023, is being attended by participants from the G-20 member countries, invited countries and International Organisations. During the course of the HWG meeting, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers visited one Jan Aushadhi Kendra at Governor Pestana Road, Panjim, Goa along with G-20 delegates from Oman, Japan, Russia, Nigeria Singapore, Malaysia and delegates from UNICEF and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Minister interacted with the Janaushadhi Kendra owner, Ms Prabha Menon a woman entrepreneur, who shared her experience of operating the Kendra. Minister gave an overview of the program and addressed various queries of the delegates on the functioning of the scheme. A number of delegates expressed interest to have the program implemented in their respective countries. The Government is working towards a model of assisting the countries from middle-income and low-middle-income countries that have shown interest in the scheme. Recently the program’s success was showcased before a gathering of Resident Heads of Mission of more than 90 countries stationed in Delhi in cooperation with the Ministry of External Affairs. During the visit, Minister also mentioned that the Government does not view the pharmaceutical sector as a sector for generating commerce but as a sector to create global public good.
“Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana” is a popular public welfare scheme implemented by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, which has made a significant impact on the lives of common people by providing quality medicines at an affordable price, which are generally 50%-90% less costly than branded medicines.
During the last 9 years, there have been 100 times growth in the number of Kendras from only 80 in 2014 to more than 9,300 Kendras. The product basket has also been expanded to 1,800 medicines and 285 surgical devices. During the past 9 years, total savings have been estimated at approximately more than Rs. 20,000 crores for the citizens.
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