Jamtara — A government-run Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Jamtara district of Jharkhand is emerging as an important source of affordable healthcare for residents, particularly those from economically weaker and middle-income groups. Located near Veer Kunwar Chowk, the centre has been witnessing a steady rise in visitors seeking low-cost medicines.
The facility operates under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), a central government initiative aimed at making quality generic medicines available at significantly lower prices compared to branded drugs sold in the market.
Residents say the medicines available at the centre are priced between 50 and 90 per cent lower than their branded counterparts. This substantial difference has helped many families reduce the financial burden of medical treatment.
The centre stocks a wide range of medicines for common ailments as well as drugs required for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. In addition, several surgical items and basic medical supplies are also available at affordable rates.
Patients visiting the centre have expressed satisfaction with the quality and effectiveness of the medicines, saying that the availability of affordable drugs has made healthcare more accessible.
Sohan Singh, who recently visited the centre to buy medicines, said he was surprised by the prices. “I was able to purchase all the medicines I needed for just Rs 78. The quality is good and the cost is much lower than what we usually pay at private pharmacies,” he said.
Another resident, Rajat Sarkar, said he has been regularly purchasing medicines from the centre for the past two years. According to him, the lower prices make a significant difference for families that require medicines for long-term treatment.
“The medicines here are far cheaper than those available in the market. For people who need regular medication, this centre is a big relief,” he said.
Tarkeshwar Karmakar, Director of the Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Jamtara, said the centre provides most medicines prescribed by doctors and continues to see increasing footfall. On average, more than 200 people visit the facility each day to buy medicines.
He noted that the availability of medicines at discounted rates is helping patients manage their healthcare expenses more effectively, particularly those suffering from chronic illnesses.
The Jan Aushadhi initiative aims to expand access to affordable healthcare across the country by ensuring that quality generic medicines are easily available to the public.
For many residents in Jamtara, the centre has become a dependable option for purchasing medicines without placing an additional financial burden on their households.
With inputs from IANS