Maharashtra: Enthusiastic Celebration of 'Jan Aushadhi Diwas' in Nala Sopara

Nala Sopara (Maharashtra), March 7 (NationPress) Every year on March 7, the country celebrates 'Jan Aushadhi Diwas', a significant occasion aimed at raising awareness about the 'Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana'—a program dedicated to enhancing the affordability and accessibility of essential medications for everyone.

This year's festivities were held in the vibrant Chaware Complex located in Nala Sopara West, where a lively event attracted numerous attendees, highlighting the crucial benefits this initiative brings to local communities.

Residents from Nala Sopara, Vasai, and Virar participated enthusiastically, sharing their experiences and expressing gratitude for the government's initiative to establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras throughout the nation.

Since its launch in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, this scheme has been instrumental in providing affordable, high-quality medications via dedicated Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

For many middle-class families, this initiative has become a vital resource, allowing them to significantly reduce their medical expenses while gaining access to quality healthcare.

Attendees were vocal about their support for the program, with numerous individuals highlighting the substantial decrease in their monthly healthcare expenses due to the availability of inexpensive generic medicines at these centers.

In an interview with IANS, local resident Vilas Gopal Mistry, aged 76, shared his touching story.

He detailed his struggle with chronic ailments such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, and how 'Jan Aushadhi' medicines have transformed his life.

"Previously, my monthly medical costs reached up to Rs 5,000," Mistry explained. "Now, thanks to 'Jan Aushadhi', my expenses are only Rs 500, saving me over Rs 4,500 each month. This initiative, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been a true blessing for me and many others in similar situations," he added.

Babu Devji Nagar, another beneficiary, commended the affordability of 'Jan Aushadhi' medications, especially for managing his wife's post-heart attack recovery.

“I’m not well-off, and my wife has to work despite her health challenges. She relies on these affordable medicines, which help us maintain our financial stability,” he stated, expressing deep gratitude for the program's positive impact on underprivileged lives.

Awadhesh Tiwari, Director of the 'Jan Aushadhi Kendra' in Nala Sopara West, provided further insights into the initiative’s comprehensive advantages.

He pointed out that nationally, the program has saved people millions of rupees by offering medications at nearly half the cost compared to standard pharmacies.

“In Nala Sopara alone, our customers save between Rs 25 to Rs 30 lakh monthly. These savings are crucial for those managing chronic conditions like diabetes, where monthly medication costs could otherwise soar to Rs 5,000,” Tiwari added.

He affirmed that the medicines available at these centers match the quality of their branded alternatives.

The event also featured remarks from BJP leaders, including Mahendra Patil, President of the BJP Vasai Virar District, who reflected on the inception of 'Jan Aushadhi Kendras'.

He reminded attendees how this initiative, advocated by Prime Minister Modi, has significantly improved the lives of senior citizens who often struggle with the high costs of essential medications.

"With the establishment of 'Jan Aushadhi Kendras', many elderly individuals who used to spend Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 monthly for medications now pay only Rs 100 to Rs 150," Patil remarked, emphasizing the substantial relief brought to countless families.

As part of a nationwide campaign, 'Jan Aushadhi Diwas' is celebrated with various awareness activities throughout the week leading up to March 7, with events occurring from March 1 to 7.