First Jan Aushadi Medical Store Opens at Nowgam Railway Station in Jammu and Kashmir

The government of Jammu and Kashmir has set up the first Jan Aushadi medical store at Nowgam railway station. This initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which aims to provide affordable generic medicines to the public.

Local Residents’ Reactions

Hamir, a resident of Nowgam, expressed his approval, stating, “I feel this is a very good step by the government to help the poor people. Several poor people here cannot afford the medicines and even during emergencies, the medical shop at the railway station has proven very beneficial. Anyone can come and get the medicines at an affordable rate.”

Another villager, Zubair, highlighted the store’s importance, saying, “90 per cent of the people who come to the railway station here are poor and cannot afford the medicines at the normal rate. This medical store offers authentic medicines at an affordable rate and it has helped poor people a lot. The people are very happy with this initiative of the government.”

Namita, another resident, suggested expanding the initiative, “I feel it is a huge help in a financial aspect and it has really proven beneficial for a lot of people of the lower sections of the society. I feel the government should take the initiative of introducing such stores in more villages around the country.”

About Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

Launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, PMBJP aims to make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices. As of June 30, there are 12,616 Janaushadhi Kendras operational across the country, offering 2,047 drugs and 300 surgical items.