Leh/ Jan 28: Advisor Ladakh Umang Narula convened a meeting to review the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadi Pariyojana (PMBJP), at the Secretariat. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Health, Rigzin Samphel; Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Leh, Dr Dorje Motup, CMO Kargil, Dr Munawar Hussain and Medical Superintendent of both Leh and Kargil districts.

Commissioner Secretary Samphel informed the officials that Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra is functional at District Hospital, Kargil whereas it is in the process of becoming functional at SNM Hospital, Leh. He informed that online applications have been submitted for the establishment of these kendras at CHCs in Padum, Sankoo, Drass, Chiktan, Nubra and PHC Khaltsi.

The Advisor directed Commissioner Secretary Health to make these Kendras functional at the earliest. He instructed to put these commonly used generic drugs, nutraceuticals and surgical items available with Bureau of Pharma PSUs (BPPI) on sale at these stores. The commercial feasibility of these stores was also discussed during the meeting.

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The Advisor also asked the Department to add allied medical products that are not included in the list of medicines supplied by BPPI, to these stores. He stated that the availability of affordable medicines at these stores will benefit the poor and the disadvantaged. These stores will reduce the healthcare expenses of the common people.

Chief Medical Officer of both the districts informed the officials present in the meeting that instructions have been issued to doctors to prescribe generic medicines. The Advisor instructed the officials to conduct an audit of prescriptions to check if generic medicines are prescribed by doctors. The Advisor also directed the department to conduct IEC activities to popularise the use of generic medicines.

He also directed to establish AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) pharmacy stores at district hospitals so that lifesaving drugs, implants and surgical items are accessible to the public at affordable prices.