Synopsis
The collaboration between PACS and Jan Aushadhi Kendras is helping small farmers lower medical costs, enhancing healthcare access and economic support in rural areas.Key Takeaways
- PACS and Jan Aushadhi Kendras collaborate to reduce healthcare costs.
- Empowers small farmers, enhancing productivity.
- Generates employment at the PACS level.
- Facilitates access to affordable generic medicines.
- Aligns with National Health Policy's healthcare goals.
New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) The collaboration between Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Jan Aushadhi Kendras is significantly aiding small and marginal farmers in reducing their healthcare costs, as reported by the government on Wednesday.
In response to a written inquiry in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah highlighted that PACS is not only empowering farmers but also enhancing their productivity and creating job opportunities.
“The joint efforts of PACS and Jan Aushadhi Kendras economically empower small and marginal farmers by lowering their medical expenses, thus enabling them to invest more in agricultural productivity,” Shah elaborated.
“This initiative also fosters job creation at the PACS level, allowing for additional revenue generation,” he noted.
To ensure that rural citizens have access to affordable generic medications, the government has permitted PACS to manage Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana.
PACS leverage their extensive rural network of over 13 crore small and marginal farmers along with existing infrastructure like land, buildings, and storage facilities to establish and run Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
“This arrangement allows them to function as accessible medicine hubs in remote regions where healthcare access is limited. The established trust of PACS and their relationship with local populations further contribute to the success of these Kendras,” Shah remarked.
The scheme offers incentives to the Kendras at a rate of 20 percent of monthly purchases made from the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), capped at ₹20,000 per month, contingent on stock mandates.
Additionally, Kendra owners receive a 20 percent margin on the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of each drug (excluding taxes). The Kendras are also permitted to sell related medical products usually found in chemist shops.
This initiative is in line with the National Health Policy's objective of ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare, guaranteeing that affordable medicines reach underserved rural communities, thus addressing broader public health goals.
