Jagdalpur: Shri Dhanvantari Generic Medical Stores witness surge in demand for low-cost medicines

Jagdalpur 03 August 2023// In an effort to improve accessibility to affordable medicines for the economically weaker sections, the Shri Dhanvantari Generic Medical Store Scheme, launched by Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel, has seen a significant surge in demand. The initiative has gained popularity, attracting more people towards the three generic medical stores operational in the Bastar district.

The stores, with two located in the Jagdalpur district headquarters and one in the Bastar Nagar Panchayat, are catering to the healthcare needs of the local populace. In just a week, the stores recorded a remarkable sale of medicines worth Rs 98,705. The rising demand has been consistent, thanks to the weekly reviews conducted by Collector Shri Vijay Dayaram K., who is closely monitoring the scheme's implementation.

Driven by the objective of making quality healthcare affordable and accessible, the scheme has resulted in orders worth more than Rs 28 lakhs being placed for essential medicines and medical equipment as per the instructions of the collector. The medicines thus procured will be utilized in government hospitals and institutions, ensuring that adequate healthcare services reach those who need them the most. 

Besides, medicines worth over Rs eight lakh were purchased for the mobile medical units functioning under Mukhyamantri Slum Swasthya Yojana. Since its inception in October 2021, the scheme has made a notable impact in the Bastar district, with medicines worth Rs. 19.75 lakh sold to date. The maximum retail price (MRP) of these medicines amounts to Rs 54.70 lakh, making them significantly more affordable and resulting in savings of Rs 34.95 lakh for a total of 14,419 beneficiaries.

Under the Shri Dhanvantari Generic Medical Store Scheme, generic medicines sourced from reputed pharmaceutical companies are made available at prices around 65 per cent lower than the market rates. The scheme's implementation, overseen by the municipal administration and development department, has garnered praise from the public and health experts alike. The stores offer a wide range of essential medicines for common ailments including cold, cough, fever, and blood pressure, as well as medicines for more serious illnesses, antibiotics, and surgical items, all at affordable prices.