What is it
The government of India plans to sell generic medicines at low prices under the “Jan Aushadhi” brand.
Already, there are more than a 100 Jan Aushadhi outlets set up at District Hospitals since the program was started in 2008.
Making the brand available in regular pharmacies will greatly increase the reach of the program.
When will it be launched
July 1 2015
Which products will be included
* 504 essential medicines in Phase 1
* Medical devices and more medicines in Phase 2
Where will these products be available
* 800 chemists, mostly in Delhi for the July launch
* Other metros by end of 2015
Who will implement
The Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India (BPPI) will be implementing this project.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has promised support if the quality of medicines is maintained.
Concerns
* Can quality be maintained while providing very low prices?
* Already, the existing Jan Aushadhi outlets are facing shortages/stockouts of some medicines. Can the supply chain cater to such a large increase in the number of outlets?
Comparison of Branded and Generic Prices under the Jan Aushadhi Scheme
For more information on the Jan Aushadhi scheme, please visit http://janaushadhi.gov.in/