Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a Jan Aushadhi Kendra at Kolkata’s Sealdah Metro Station via video conferencing, underscoring the government’s focus on making affordable medicines accessible across India. Part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), this initiative aims to provide affordable generic medicines, helping reduce healthcare costs for the general public. The Sealdah Metro Jan Aushadhi Kendra will offer quality medicines at discounted prices, directly benefiting daily commuters and nearby residents by making essential medicines more accessible.
The Jan Aushadhi Kendra launch at a metro station is a first in Kolkata, marking a strategic move to integrate essential healthcare services within urban transit systems. This model also aligns with the government's vision of expanding PMBJP reach, which now has more than 10,000 kendras nationwide. These centers focus on affordability and quality, making essential medicines up to 50-90% cheaper than market prices. The metro-based Jan Aushadhi Kendra offers convenience for commuters and locals who can now access medications without having to detour from their daily travel routes.
PM Modi highlighted the importance of the PMBJP scheme, emphasizing how such initiatives ease financial burdens on families. Additionally, he reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility, with Jan Aushadhi Kendras extending to semi-urban and rural areas as well. The opening of this center in Kolkata’s busy transit hub is a step towards achieving this goal, aiming to reach millions of people who rely on the metro for daily commutes.