PANAJI
In a big move, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday said generic medicine counters will be set up in all pharmacies in the State which will be strictly implemented by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).
"The circular will be issued in the next 48 hours," Rane said, adding that it will be 'strictly implemented' after a collective decision was taken to put up these 'Jan Aushadi' counters at all pharmacies in Goa.
It will be monitored by the FDA director to ensure high-quality generic medicines are available to every section of society. Rane said, adding that pharmacies across the state will have to abide by it.
The 'Jan Aushadi Kendras' is a policy initiative of the Union health ministry which claims over 9,000 such centres are already providing access to affordable and quality medicines in the country.
Generic medicines form a substantial part of the Indian pharma sector's domestic business and are crucial in making medicines affordable.
"There is no difference between generic medicines and that of branded companies but there is vast difference between their rates ranging from 50% to 90% and is affordable to common citizens.
"To make these medicines available to common man is the initiative of central Government with the sole motive to provide medical services to common man at affordable cost," stated Chief Minister Pramod Sawant who was speaking at a function of 5thJan Aushadi Diwas-2023 celebrated under Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadi Pariyojana organized by the Directorate Health Services in collaboration with the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers Government of India on Monday.
The Chief Minister called for awareness among people about generic medicines as the generic medicines are cheap and affordable to common man.
The government intends to provide medical facilities to every citizen affordable to him and therefore would make generic medicines available at every pharmacy by ordering them to open special counters at their respective pharmaceutical units. He suggested doctors prescribe these medicines without any hesitation.
The Chief Minister also said that the government would strive to avail generic medicines at GMC, district hospitals, CHCs, PHCs all over the State to support the mission of Prime Minister's Health for all.
The Director of the Department of Food & Drugs Authority Jyoti Sardesai who was the key-note speaker spoke about the cost, quality and importance and affordability of generic medicines
