Jan Aushadhi Kendra proposal stuck at GMC Baramulla, poor patients forced to buy costly medicines

Baramulla, May 30: Patients visiting Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla continue to face hardship due to the absence of a Jan Aushadhi Kendra on the hospital premises, forcing many, particularly from economically weaker sections, to purchase costly medicines from private pharmacies outside the hospital.

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), popularly known as Jan Aushadhi Kendra, is a Government of India initiative aimed at providing quality generic medicines at highly affordable rates. The scheme is intended to make essential medicines accessible to common people by offering drugs for major illnesses at prices significantly lower than branded alternatives.

Patients and attendants at GMC Baramulla said the lack of such a facility within the hospital has increased their financial burden, especially for those requiring prolonged treatment and regular medication.

The demand for establishment of a Jan Aushadhi Kendra at the medical college has grown steadily over the years, with patients and attendants arguing that affordable generic medicines could substantially reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Many patients said they are compelled to spend large sums on medicines as cheaper alternatives are unavailable on the hospital premises, despite the institution catering to a sizeable patient population from Baramulla and adjoining districts.

Officials at GMC Baramulla said the process for setting up a Jan Aushadhi Kendra had already been initiated, but certain guidelines became a hurdle in its establishment.
According to officials, existing norms do not permit two Jan Aushadhi Kendras to operate within a one-kilometre radius. They said another Jan Aushadhi outlet already exists near the medical college, prompting objections to opening a new kendra within the GMC premises.

Officials said some individuals had submitted a representation claiming that approval for another kendra could not be granted within the prescribed distance limit.

Sources said it was subsequently decided that the GMC authorities would seek verification from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to ascertain the exact distance between the existing Jan Aushadhi Kendra and the hospital.

However, the matter has allegedly remained pending for years, with the verification process yet to be completed, delaying a final decision on the proposal.
Patients and attendants said the prolonged delay has compounded their difficulties, maintaining that generic medicines available at Jan Aushadhi Kendras are equally effective as branded medicines but far cheaper, making treatment affordable for poor and middle-class families.
Locals urged the authorities to expedite the verification process and resolve the issue at the earliest so that patients, particularly those from economically weaker sections, can access affordable medicines without further delay.