MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND MINISTER OF HEALTH FLAG-OFF JAN AUSHADHI TRAIN

This train has been operated to raise awareness about “Pradhan MantriBhartiya Jan AushadhiPariyojana” and to promote the generic medicines

New Delhi, March 04: Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways and Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers flagged off the ‘Jan Aushidhi Train’ (Chhattisgarh Sampark Kranti Express) from HazratNizamuddin Railway Station today. Senior officers of Health & Family Welfare Ministry and Railway Board were also present on the occasion.

The train is being run on the occasion of Jan Aushadhi Day. Chhattisgarh Sampark Kranti Express (Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station to Durg, Chhattisgarh) has been vinyl wrapped with Jan Aushadhi branding.In its 1,278 Km journey from HazratNizamuddin to Durg, the train passes through the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.It will touch 184 stations including stoppages at VeeranganaLaxmibai Jhansi, Saugar, KatniMudwara, Umaria, Shahdol, Anuppur Jn. Pendra Road, Bilaspur Jn., Bhatapara, Raipur Jn. and Durg. This train will educate and create awareness among people about quality generic medicines made available by the government at affordable prices.

“Jan AushadhiDiwas” is observed every year on 7 March to raise awareness about “Pradhan MantriBhartiya Jan AushadhiPariyojana” and to promote generic medicines. “Pradhan MantriBhartiyaJanaushadhiPariyojana” has made a significant impact on the lives of common people by providing quality generic medicines at affordable prices.On this 5^th , Jan Aushadhi Day, with the proposed theme “Jan AushadhiSastiBhiAchhiBhi”, a week-long programs from 1st March 2023 to 7th March 2023 is being organized in various cities/towns across the country.

Today the number of “Pradhan MantriBhartiyaJanaushadhiKendras” has crossed 9,000. The product basket has been expanded to over 1,700 drugs and 280 surgicals. Branded medicines are cheaper by 80-90% than the average market price and this has resulted in an estimated saving of about Rs 20,000 crore to citizens in the last 8 years. This scheme also provides a good source of self-employment.