Generic drugs for diabetes, gastric issues, cardiovascular ailments see high demand

Yan Aushadi Kendra, which sells affordable generic drugs, has seen its sales increase more than 170-fold over the past nine years, but the government has no plans to make generic drugs available online in the near future. “There is no such plan at the moment,” Ravi Dadich, chief executive officer of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Authority of India (PMBI), said in a conversation on Friday at Kendra’s central warehouse in Bilaspur, Gurugram.

Jan Aushadi Kendras under the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadi Paryojana scheme recorded the highest sales in drugs for treating stomach problems, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and pain. Medicines sold at Kendras are 50% to 90% cheaper than branded medicines.

Expansion of product basket

Dadich said there are plans to increase the number of medicines and surgical instruments available to the Kendra family by the end of the year. “Currently, there are 9,484 Jan Aushadi Kendras in the country, which is expected to increase to 10,000, with a product basket of 1,800 pharmaceuticals and 285 surgical supplies expected to grow to 2,000 and 300 respectively. there is,” he said.

Currently, there are four warehouses under this plan located in Gurugram, Chennai, Guwahati and Surat, with the central warehouse in Gurugram being the largest.

regular quality checks

Mr. Dadich emphasized that PMBI attaches great importance to quality parameters and conducts regular checks to ensure good quality of medicines. “The idea behind this program is to offer subsidized high prices without compromising quality. It will be tested in laboratories accredited by the Accreditation Board,” he said.

“Over the past nine years, the number of Yang Aushadi Kendras under the PMBJP has increased significantly, with the number increasing 100-fold. Savings are possible,” he added.

The program operates on a franchise model, with individual entrepreneurs applying to establish and operate Kendras. They have separate categories for fast-moving and slow-moving products and also have a section for Ayush medicines.