Case of missing Janausadhi Kendras
Pharma mafia are aghast at cheaper medicines and are trying to suppress the generic medicines stores; to force people to buy branded medicines
The government of India’s ambitious foray into generic medicines and equipment deserve kudos considering the benefits to the common man (read Janausadhi generic medicines: people save Rs.18,000 crore in 8 years – MDDTimes). However, as with most government schemes this is also riddled with scams and hurdles.
Janausadhi Kendras are a central scheme, so the local pharmacies usually oppose them even if they are run by local pharmacists, which is mostly the case. Politicians also do not support these in most states.
For similar reasons, and on perceived loss of business, local pharmacists also oppose these Kendras. In some places, there are reports that the “Pharma mafia” are colluding to start some Janausadhi Kendras in obscure places only to keep it closed. The idea is to force people to buy branded medicines.
In some areas, such as Jeypore in Odisha, the store is seen in the government portal, but nothing on ground. All calls by MDDTimes to the Kendra went unanswered like questions to PMBJP (Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which runs the Kendras.
If unchecked, the disease may spread rapidly across India and lead to failure of a good government scheme.
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