First 'Jan Aushadi' Medical Store Opens at Nowgam Railway Station

The government of Jammu and Kashmir inaugurated the first Jan Aushadi medical store at Nowgam railway station. The store, part of the Pradhan Mantri Bharti Jan Aushadi Kendra initiative, aims to provide affordable generic medicines to the poor. Locals have praised the move as highly beneficial.

On Saturday, the government of Jammu and Kashmir inaugurated its first Jan Aushadi medical store under the Pradhan Mantri Bharti Jan Aushadi Kendra initiative at Nowgam railway station. This development aims to aid passengers and provide affordable medicines to economically disadvantaged individuals.

Hamir, a Nowgam resident, lauded the initiative, saying it serves the poor admirably. 'It's a very good decision by the government. Several poor people here cannot afford medicines, and even during emergencies, this medical shop has proven very beneficial. Anyone can get medicines at an affordable rate,' Hamir told ANI.

Another local, Zubair, echoed this sentiment, noting that 90% of the visitors to the railway station are from poorer backgrounds. 'This medical store offers authentic medicines at an affordable rate and it has helped poor people a lot. The people are very happy with this initiative of the government,' Zubair said.

Resident Namita emphasized the importance of scaling the initiative to more villages. 'It has proven beneficial for many in the lower sections of society. The government should introduce such stores in more villages around the country,' she stated.

The Jan Aushadi initiative, launched in 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, aims to provide quality generic medicines at reasonable prices. As of June 30, 12,616 Janaushadhi Kendras operate across India, offering a range of 2,047 drugs and 300 surgical items, according to ANI.

(With inputs from agencies.)