New diabetes medicines at 60-70% lower prices in Janaushadhi stores
Each tablet costs around Rs. 6-10 vs Rs. 16-26 at other stores
Over 8,700 Janausadhi stores are currently spread across India; pic - GoI
The Chief Executive Officer of Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), Ravi Dadhich, launched a new variant of diabetes medicine (Sitagliptin) today. The variants will be sold in the central government’s Janaushadhi stores which are now present across the country.
The Ministry of Health said the new medicines will be provided at affordable prices to all under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.
According to the government, Sitagliptin is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus.
| Name of the Product | MRP for Pack of 10 |
| Sitagliptin Phosphate Tablet IP 50mg | Rs. 60/- |
| Sitagliptin Phosphate Tablet IP 100mg | Rs. 100/- |
| Sitagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets 50mg/500mg | Rs. 65/- |
| Sitagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets 50mg/1000mg | Rs. 70/- |
According to the government, Sitagliptin is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus.
“All these variants are available at 60% to 70% lesser prices than branded variants as they are available in the price band of Rs. 162/- to Rs. 258/- at other medical stores,” said the government.
So far, under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, over 8,700 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras have been opened across the country. These stores mostly sell generic medicines, surgical equipment, nutraceuticals and other products, and are popular in even Chennai, where central schemes are usually held in contempt.
Currently, the central government sells more than 1,600 medicines and 250 surgical devices including Suvidha Sanitary pads which are sold at Rs.1 per pad, according to government data.
PMBI said it is committed to ensure regular and sufficient availability of essential medicines at the Jan Aushadhi Kendras and that too with assurance of good quality and affordable prices for citizens.
PMBI has grown significantly since its inception eight years ago. It had an annual turnover of Rs. 8 crore in 2014-15 vs monthly sales turnover of Rs. 100 crore in May 2022 (estimated savings of about Rs. 600 crore for the beneficiaries).
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