Gaya: To enhance the health and well-being of passengers and the general public at railway stations, Indian Railways is expanding its Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra initiative. Stalls will be opened at 61 additional stations, including Ara, Hajipur, Samastipur, Chhapra, and Bhagalpur in Bihar, according to officials from the GM office.
As of March 12, 2024, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras are operational at 50 railway locations.
These include Patna Junction, Darbhanga, and Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Junction in the East Central Railway zone. This initiative aligns with the government’s mission to make quality medicines and consumables accessible to all.
Given the success and public enthusiasm for the current centers, Indian Railways has decided to extend this initiative. Tenders have been invited for opening stalls at the new locations, with the expectation that the outlets will be operational by the first week of August.
This move is anticipated to create employment opportunities and provide affordable medicines to more people.
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras aim to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses by offering quality medicines at affordable prices, particularly to the poor and underprivileged.
The Kendras stock 1,963 medicines and 293 surgical instruments, covering major therapeutic groups such as cardiovascular, anti-cancer, anti-diabetics, anti-infectives, anti-allergic, and gastrointestinal medicines, as well as nutraceuticals and Ayurvedic products to boost immunity.
This initiative not only ensures easy access to essential medicines but also supports the Government of India’s broader health and economic objectives.