Janaushadi Diwas to be celebrated in Hubballi today

HUBBALLI: Janaushadi Diwas will be celebrated on March 7. In the run-up to this, a weeklong programme was organised in the twin cities. The fifth edition of Janaushadi Diwas 2023 was being held from March 1.
It is being celebrated under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadi Pariyojana (PMBJP). Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the celebration of Janaushadi Diwas on March 7 every year to educate people about the benefits of Janaushadi Pariyojana (scheme). Karnataka stands second highest in the number (1,094) of Janaushadi stores that sell generic medicines and surgical tools at discounted prices.
Karnataka assistant manager for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India, Vemu Nagaraju, told TOI that it was started to make quality medicines available at affordable prices for all, particularly the poor. Exclusive outlets — Janaushadi medical stores — are aimed at making healthcare expenses affordable to all. “In 2022-23, a business of Rs 175 crore was made,” he added.
All India executive council member of PM Janaushadi Kendra, Pavan Joshi, said the scheme was launched by the department of pharmaceuticals, ministry of chemicals and fertilizers, in November 2008.
“There were few Kendras in the beginning. In September 2015, the scheme was revamped as ‘Pradhan Mantri Janaushadi Yojana’ (PMJAY). To give further impetus to the scheme, it was again renamed ‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in November 2016,” he stated.
Joshi said the government has set a target to increase the number of shops to 10,000 in the country by this year-end. “Janaushadi Diwas was started in 2019. We have organised various programmes such as Padayatra, Matru Shakti Sanman, Bala Mitra, Arogya Mela, and seminars at various places in the city. On March 7, PM Modi will hold a video conference with the beneficiaries. Arrangements have been made at KIMS, Hubballi, for the event, where around 200 beneficiaries are expected,” he added.