Jan Aushadhi Kendras benefit must reach last man in last village: MP JTN

Week Long Jan Aushadhi Diwas Celebrations conclude

Leh: On the concluding day of the week-long observance of the 5th Jan Aushadhi Diwas/Generic Medicine Day, the Department of Health and Family Welfare & National Health Mission, Ladakh organized a closing event, to sum up the week’s events.

Celebrated across the country from 1st to 7th March, the theme this year of the campaign is “Jan Aushadhi – Sasti bhi Acchi bhi.”

MP Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal was present as the event’s chief guest.

Mission Director National Health Mission Dr. Iftakhar Ahmed Chowdhary, Director Health Services Dr. Motup Dorje, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Norzin Angmo, Medical Superintendent Dr. Tsewang Chorol, doctors, pharmacists and other medical staff were present at the event held at Conference Hall, Leh.

CMO Dr. Norzin Angmo while addressing the event stated that efforts are being made to spread awareness about the use of generic medicines which are equally at par with branded medicines and are cheaper in cost. 

She further informed that presently, there are two Jan Aushadhi Kendras – one each at SMN Leh and District Hospital Kargil and more such shops will be established. In this regard, she urged willing pharmacists’ to come forward and become a part of this endeavor.   

Mission Director National Health Mission Dr. Iftakhar Ahmed Chowdhary apprised the Hon’ble MP of the developments underway such as the expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras at Community Health Centres (CHCs) & Sub-district hospitals. 

Dr Chowdhary also informed that 81% of households in Ladakh have been covered under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Unique Health Identification Card.

Additionally, he spoke of ongoing efforts to convert all CHCs to Health & Wellness Centres (H&WCs) for providing comprehensive primary health care to the people.

 In this regard, the event was informed that out of a total of 322 CHCs, 316 have already been converted to H&WCs. 

Tele-consultations are also being availed by the people, with the service available at 158 Sub Centres/H&WCs. 

A total of 26,000 teleconsultations were registered over the past year.

MP applauded the departments for their efforts and urged that all mediums must be used for the assertive promotion of the scheme, including active participation by PRI members and stated that the benefit must reach the last person in the last village. 

Pertaining to the concern of medicines under the scheme being channeled through Srinagar, the Hon’ble MP assured that the matter will be discussed with the concerned Ministry for direct coordination with Ladakh. 

MP Ladakh also directed the department to aim at setting up 8 new Jan Aushadhi Kendras, 4 each in the remote villages of Leh and Kargil in a month’s time. 

Pharmacist Tsetan Angmo was felicitated for her efforts towards the promotion of generic medicines and successfully running the Jan Aushadhi Kendra at SNM hospital.  

Over the week, the Department of Health and Family Welfare and National Health Mission organized awareness stalls at SNM hospital, Leh market, Shey Naro Photang, etc.