Imphal: As part of the weeklong observation of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), Janaushadhi Diwas was observed at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra at Eastern Pharma Division, Chingmeirong, Manipur, Sunday.
To create awareness about Janaushadhi, an entire week from March 1 to March 7 is being celebrated as ‘Janaushadhi Week’ across the nation, with the theme of “Janaushadhi – Seva bhi, Rozgar bhi”. The last day of the week i.e. March 7 is being celebrated as ‘Janaushadhi Diwas’. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra at Eastern Pharma Division, Chingmeirong also conducted a health camp, cycle rally among others as part of the observation from March 1-6 at different parts of the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday interacted with the beneficiaries of PMBJP through video conferencing and also inaugurated India’s 7,500th Janaushadhi Kendra which is located at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Meghalaya. During the inauguration, the prime minister said that the PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna (PMBJP) has been helpful for people with limited means, adding that otherwise, for these groups of people, medicines are expensive. The Prime Minister further urged people to purchase medicines from these centres, which people often call “Modi ki Dukaan”, as they are more affordable.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Dr. R.K. Ranjan, MP, said that an ample opportunity has been given by Eastern Pharma Division as the main stockist of the generic medicines in the state. He urged the Division to expand its scope by opening centres at various areas of the state to provide generic medicines at affordable prices to the low income group masses of the state. MP Dr. R.K. Ranjan urged the people to change the concept of cheap cost medicines not being effective compared with higher rate medicines, emphasising that the components of both the medicines are the same. He said that the Prime Minister developed the various schemes after considering the economic instability of the people living in poor conditions. He further added that the availability of bio-resources in the state will be an advantage to produce ethno-medicines and some are at an experimental stage.
Sinam Rajendra Singh, National Vice President, Bharat Vikas Parishad speaking as Guest of Honour of the function said that people of the state should take the opportunity to cultivate work culture as the Prime Minister is taking keen interest in North Eastern States. He added that instead of relying on the products imported from other states, people of the state should produce goods with the tag Make in Manipur. He also appealed to the people to avail the opportunity of using medicines at affordable rates available at the Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra which is as effective as those medicines with higher rates.
It may be mentioned that Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) endeavours to provide quality medicines at an affordable price. The number of stores under the scheme has grown to 7499, with all districts of the country covered. Sales in the financial year 2020-21 (up to 4th March 2021) led to total savings of approximately Rs. 3600 Crore for common citizens, as these medicines are cheaper by 50% to 90% than the corresponding market rates.
The function was attended by Dr. L. Gojendro, CMO Bishnupur, H. Devendra, Programme Executive, AIR, distinguished guest, beneficiaries of PMBJP and staff of Eastern Pharma.
