Prime Minister Narendra Modi today lauded Mysurean Shriman Darshan in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, for sharing information on buying medicines at affordable prices from Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra counters.
 

He said that Darshan, who was spending Rs. 6,000 a month on medicines alone for his father's treatment, has reduced his expenses by about 75 per cent by buying medicines from Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra counters. "It is a matter of joy learning about happenings like these. It gives you inner satisfaction. I felt good to see Shriman Darshan ji think about sharing with others what he gained from it," he said.

This has led to not only availability of cheaper medicines, but also new employment opportunities for individual entrepreneurs, Modi said. Medicines available at the Jan Aushadhi Centres are 50 per cent and 90 per cent cheaper than branded drugs available in the market, he said. "This is a great help for the common man, especially for senior citizens who require medicines on a daily basis and results in a lot of savings," Modi said.

Generic medicines sold under this scheme strictly conform to prescribed standards set by World Health Organisation, and hence good quality medicines are made available at affordable prices, Modi said. Today, over 3,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been set up across the country, he said. Affordable medicines are now available at Amrit Stores' at Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Centres and at hospitals, Modi said.