AIIMS New Delhi to Open New Jan Aushadhi Kendra to Boost Access to Affordable Medicines

The primary aim of this initiative is to make quality and affordable generic medicines widely accessible to patients visiting AIIMS.

In a significant step towards making healthcare more affordable, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is inaugurating a new Jan Aushadhi Kendra at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on October 29, 2024. 

The event will feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, who oversees the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare. 

The primary aim of this initiative is to make quality and affordable generic medicines widely accessible to patients visiting AIIMS.

The Kendra will offer a broad range of medicines at prices considerably lower than branded equivalents. Stocking over 2,047 generic medicines and 300 surgical devices, the Kendra will serve patients needing treatments across several therapeutic categories, including cardiovascular, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, anti-allergic, gastrointestinal, and nutraceuticals. This variety aims to support the healthcare needs of the numerous patients who visit AIIMS daily for advanced treatments.

“This kendra is a crucial step towards ensuring that patients receive quality medicines without facing financial strain,” stated a spokesperson from the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Expanding the Jan Aushadhi Network

The launch at AIIMS adds to the extensive Jan Aushadhi network, which currently operates over 14,000 Kendras across the country. 

These Kendras collectively serve around one million people each day, extending low-cost medicine access to both urban and rural populations, particularly in underserved and remote areas spanning 780 districts.

This network expansion is part of the government's wider goal to establish 25,000 Kendras by 2026, an ambitious initiative intended to ease healthcare costs nationwide. 

By scaling up the availability of affordable medicines, the PMBJP aims to make essential drugs available to millions more, directly aligning with the government’s vision of achieving equitable healthcare access.

The Kendra at AIIMS stands out due to its location within one of India's leading hospitals, where it will offer an alternative to costly branded medications. The Ministry sees this as an essential resource for patients, many of whom struggle with the high costs of medication associated with chronic and critical care.

“Our commitment to providing affordable, quality healthcare remains unwavering, and this Jan Aushadhi Kendra is a tangible reflection of that promise,” shared a senior health ministry official.

A Healthcare Milestone in the Capital

AIIMS, known for its high patient volume and specialized treatment facilities, is well-suited for the new Kendra, which will likely relieve a portion of patients’ financial burdens. 

The presence of a Jan Aushadhi Kendra within such a major institution is expected to streamline access to affordable treatment options. 

Additionally, AIIMS patients will have direct access to quality medicines across varied therapeutic categories, addressing a wide range of medical needs.

Presently, the Jan Aushadhi scheme seeks to continue its growth, recognizing that the need for affordable healthcare has become essential. This AIIMS Kendra represents an essential extension of that vision, reinforcing the government's commitment to supporting the needs of citizens, particularly in metropolitan centers with diverse patient demographics.