PACS – A New Model for Providing Affordable and Quality Medicines
Union Ministers Amit Shah and Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Spearhead National Mega Conclave on PACS as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra
In a groundbreaking initiative, Union Ministers Amit Shah and Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the National Mega Conclave on “PACS as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra,” emphasizing the transformative role of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
(PACS) in extending the reach of affordable and quality medicines.
The conclave, held under the theme “Sahakar – se – Samriddhi,” showcased the significant initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Cooperation, with a focus on widening the scope of PACS beyond traditional agricultural credit functions.
Amit Shah highlighted the profound impact of allowing PACS to open Jan Aushadhi Kendras, stating that the benefits would extend beyond cooperative societies to reach the lowest echelons of the community. Over the past nine years, Jan Aushadhi Kendras have saved approximately Rs. 26,000 crores for the poor, offering generic medicines at 50-90% lower prices than the market, ensuring affordable healthcare.
Shah underscored various government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, Mission Indradhanush, Jal Jeevan Mission, Digital Health, Malaria Elimination Mission, and TB Mukt Bharat Initiative, asserting their transformative influence on the healthcare landscape. The expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras has significantly reduced the over-the-counter cost of medicines, making diverse high-quality medicines accessible.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya disclosed plans to open 2,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras through PACS in the first phase, with more than 2,300 applications from PACS already approved by the Dept. of Pharmaceuticals. He emphasized that this approach would strengthen PACS as a cooperative organization while broadening access to quality and affordable medicines across the country.
The Ministers highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana’s success, providing over 10,500 Jan Aushadhi Kendras that offer more than 1,965 high-quality medicines and 293 surgical products at 50-90% reduced costs compared to branded medicines.
Symbolic certificates of store codes were presented to five PACS representatives from Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh during the conclave. Representatives from various PACS across the country expressed satisfaction with the policies implemented and shared their experiences under the newly adopted model byelaws.
The event was attended by Shri Gyanesh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation; Shri Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Dept. of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, senior officials of the Union Government, and representatives of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana and PACS from across the country.
