Janaushadhi drugs/medicines at generic stores have strict quality checks

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 20, 2019: Speaking to media in general, the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) general manager Dheeraj Sharma said a higher level of awareness is to be brought among people especially in rural areas over Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojan (PMBJP).  It can be noted that highest sales are also reported in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

The GM elaborated on Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojan (PMBJP). It is sad that people are not aware of the fact that medicines available through PMBJP are verified for quality in the process of manufacturing and delivery. There might be shortage of medicines.  He asserted that quality medicines are available at a much cheaper and affordable price.

He said that medicines are not available without a prescription. A total of 850 medicines are listed out. The supply has reached 95-97%. Cent per cent supply is not possible at present owing to the unavailability of raw materials.

Nodal officer Karnataka Dr Anila said that the project was launched in 2008, however, it proved to be unsuccessful in 2014. It was relaunched in 2016 with 5,600 generic stores all over India.

She said that there are 540 generic stores in Karnataka covering all taluks. In Karnataka, Mysuru with 52 generic stores tops the list of the highest number of beneficiaries. Karnataka stands next to Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in number of generic stores. In the country, 25 taluks are yet to be covered.

Dr Anila  added that Karnataka has reported the highest sale with 4-5 crore generic medicines.

She said that it should be noted out that the PMBJP medicines are not available anywhere else but with two firms, one in Bengaluru and the other in Mysuru are permitted as the wholesale dealers. The process involves rigorous delivery pattern and it can never be available in the black market. BBPI, Delhi, has complete authority and in fact, the Drug Controller of India will have thorough inspection over the drugs. Until now only two substandard quality medicine incidents are reported. Out of 1,300 WHO certified pharmaceutical industries in India, 100 are shortlisted and are offering the generic medicines.

Dr Anila  lamented that is not delivered to the targeted beneficiaries who are poor.  Hence there is a need for high scale awareness programme. It can be noted that highest sales are also reported in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.