To ensure the availability of affordable and quality medicines for pilgrims attending the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, five Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been established in Mahakumbh Nagar. One of these centers is located in Kalagram, and all will remain operational throughout the duration of the event. These centers are part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), aimed at promoting access to cost-effective healthcare.
Shri Ravi Dadhich, CEO of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, reviewed the Jan Aushadhi stalls in Prayagraj. He highlighted that medicines purchased from Jan Aushadhi Kendras offer savings of 50% to 90% compared to market prices. During his visit, Shri Dadhich interacted with pilgrims and operators, emphasizing the importance of the PMBJP initiative and its role in reducing healthcare costs.
Currently, 2,633 Jan Aushadhi centers are operational in Uttar Pradesh, with 62 in Prayagraj alone. Nationwide, over 15,000 centers have been established, with plans to expand to 25,000 centers in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Shri Dadhich revealed that the scheme has already achieved Rs. 1,500 crore in medicine sales this year, aiming for a total of Rs. 2,000 crore by year-end.
Pilgrims at Mahakumbh can locate the nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra through a user-friendly pin-code-based system, ensuring easy access to affordable medicines. Shri Dadhich also addressed questions from the media, expressing gratitude for their support in raising awareness about the scheme and its benefits.
