Prime Minister outlines his vision for affordable healthcare

New Delhi: During his recent interaction with the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana and store owners of Jan Aushadi Kendras, through video conference, Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi stated that Jan Aushadhi Day is not just a day to celebrate a scheme, but a day to connect with millions of Indians who are being benefitted from this scheme.

“We are working on four goals for the health of every Indian. First, that every Indian should be prevented from sickness. Second, there should be affordable and good treatment in case of illness. Third, to ensure that there are modern hospitals, adequate number of good doctors and medical staff for treatment. And, fourth goal is to meet challenges by working on the mission mode”, the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister said, Jan Aushadhi Scheme is an important link to provide  best and affordable  treatment to every person in the country.

“I am very satisfied that till now more than 6 thousand Janushadhi centers have been opened all over the country. As this network is growing, so too is its benefit reaching more people. Today every month more than one crore families are availing very affordable medicines through these centers”, he added.

The Prime Minister said the prices of medicines at Jan Aushadhi Centers are 50% to 90% less than the market. For example, a medicine used in the treatment of cancer which is available in the market for about Rs 6.50 thousand, is available in Jan Aushadhi Centers for only Rs 800.

“The cost of treatment is decreasing compared to before. I am told that till now, savings of Rs 2200 crores have been saved by crores of poor and middle class Indians all over the country due to Jan Aushadhi Centers”, the PM said.

Prime Minister also commended the role of stakeholders running the Jan aushadhi Centres. He also announced the decision to introduce awards related to Jan aushadhi scheme to recognize the contribution of people associated with the Scheme.

Prime Minister said Jan aushadhi scheme is also becoming a great means of confidence for youth including the disabled. Thousands of youths are employed in the process ranging from testing of generic medicines in labs to their last mile distribution in public health centres.

“The government is making every effort to expand health facilities in the country. Constant work is going on to make the Jan aushadhi scheme also more effective”, he added.

Prime Minister said that about 90 lakh poor patients have received treatment under Ayushman Bharat scheme. More than 6 lakh dialysis has been done free of cost under the Dialysis Program. Also, price control of more than one thousand essential medicines has saved Rs. 12,500 crore.  Millions of patients have got new life due to the reduced cost of stents and knee implants.

“By the year 2025, we are working fast to make the country TB free. Under this scheme, modern health and wellness centers are being built in every village of the country. Till date, more than 31 thousand centers are completed”, he added.

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi urged every citizen of the country to understand his or her obligation towards health.

“We must give due importance to cleanliness, yoga, balanced diet, sports and other exercises in our daily routine. Our efforts towards fitness will prove the resolve of a healthy India”, he added.