01-27-2009, 02:32 AM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Govt to set up drug stores for poor, pharma firms worried</b>
pioneer.com
Rajesh Kumar | New Delhi
In an initiative bound to give a major relief to the poor but bring pain to pharmaceutical companies, the Centre has asked all State Governments to open âJan Aushadhiâ 24x7 generic drug outlets so that the common man could have access to quality medicine at affordable prices. The first such drug store is likely to be opened at Shastri Bhawan by next month-end. The Delhi Government is also looking for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to implement the programme.
In a letter to Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta, Secretary (Department of Pharmaceuticals, Central Government) Ashok Kumar has asked for opening such <b>drug outlets to make available cheaper drugs to the poor. </b>
<b>The first generic store opened at the Civil Hospital of Amritsar on November 25, 2008.</b>
Under this scheme, the State Government would provide the required space in the premises of hospitals and the department of pharmaceuticals -- through its nodal agencies - would procure the generic medicines. There is a huge difference in the prices of medicine offered through these stores as compared to the market price. <b>For example, a pack of 10 paracetamol tablets costs Rs 2.30 at the Government-sponsored stores, compared to the market price of Rs 11.</b>
The shops would be run by NGOs selected in consultation with the respective State Governments, and a two-track supply would be tied up through PSUs and private drug companies to ensure alternative supply chains and an enhanced basket of products. The generics shop, located in Government-run hospitals or locations provided by the State Governments, would not be subsidised and will have to run as self-propelled units.
The Centre has identified over 300 drugs in 16 therapeutic areas to be sold through the planned generic stores, as the industry reacted positively to make the scheme a success. While 25 per cent of the drugs would be sourced from pharma companies in the public sector, the private sector generic players would be approached to supply the rest at a lower price to make it affordable for the poor.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
How they will know who is poor?
How this is different then dispensery?
Dr. Capt M Kumar,
Please shed light on this.
pioneer.com
Rajesh Kumar | New Delhi
In an initiative bound to give a major relief to the poor but bring pain to pharmaceutical companies, the Centre has asked all State Governments to open âJan Aushadhiâ 24x7 generic drug outlets so that the common man could have access to quality medicine at affordable prices. The first such drug store is likely to be opened at Shastri Bhawan by next month-end. The Delhi Government is also looking for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to implement the programme.
In a letter to Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta, Secretary (Department of Pharmaceuticals, Central Government) Ashok Kumar has asked for opening such <b>drug outlets to make available cheaper drugs to the poor. </b>
<b>The first generic store opened at the Civil Hospital of Amritsar on November 25, 2008.</b>
Under this scheme, the State Government would provide the required space in the premises of hospitals and the department of pharmaceuticals -- through its nodal agencies - would procure the generic medicines. There is a huge difference in the prices of medicine offered through these stores as compared to the market price. <b>For example, a pack of 10 paracetamol tablets costs Rs 2.30 at the Government-sponsored stores, compared to the market price of Rs 11.</b>
The shops would be run by NGOs selected in consultation with the respective State Governments, and a two-track supply would be tied up through PSUs and private drug companies to ensure alternative supply chains and an enhanced basket of products. The generics shop, located in Government-run hospitals or locations provided by the State Governments, would not be subsidised and will have to run as self-propelled units.
The Centre has identified over 300 drugs in 16 therapeutic areas to be sold through the planned generic stores, as the industry reacted positively to make the scheme a success. While 25 per cent of the drugs would be sourced from pharma companies in the public sector, the private sector generic players would be approached to supply the rest at a lower price to make it affordable for the poor.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
How they will know who is poor?
How this is different then dispensery?
Dr. Capt M Kumar,
Please shed light on this.