In a considerable move to increase access for rural communities to healthcare delivery, Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced that 241 primary agricultural credit societies across the country have started operating Jan Aushadi Kendras, which are selling affordable medicines. These generic medicines will mainly benefit rural farmers and the poorer sections of society, in contrast to earlier focus on metros.

Key Highlights:
Generic Medicines for Rural Areas.
Rural residents can now purchase medicines at 8-30% of market rates. For instance, cancer medicines costing ₹2,250 in the open market are sold for just ₹250 at these outlets. Sanitary napkins are also available for Re 1, providing much-needed relief for women.

Expansion of Jan Aushadi Kendras:
4,470 applications from PACS were received in the past six months.
2,373 PACS have received in-principle approval, and 241 are already operational.
This diversification is made feasible through the amendments in PACS byelaws that allow them to expand their business ventures.

Saving for the Poor:
Minister Shah said that the Modi government has streamlined Jan Aushadi Kendras in such a way that poor people can easily access affordable medicines. In the last nine years, this has helped the poor save ₹26,000 crores on medical expenses.

Empowering PACS:
The government is working on computerising and diversifying the 63,000 functional PACS in the country.
Model byelaws have been proposed to enable the PACS to expand their operations and run activities such as Jan Aushadi Kendras.

Ministers' Comments:
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Cooperation B L Verma, who were present at the event, described it as a game-changer in rural health access.
Government hopes to ensure health is better improved and the economy relieved for millions of people by making affordable drugs reach the rural communities.