Rlys to sell generic medicines in stations

The Railways will sell generic low-cost medicines in multi-purpose stalls at railways station to provide quality medicines to the poor at affordable prices.

"The Railway Board has decided that a policy provision will be made that existing Multi Purpose Stalls (MPS) at Railway stations may be authorised to stock generic low-cost medicines also in accordance with the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme," Minster of State for Railways Rajen Gohain informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

Under PMBJP scheme, the Department of Pharmaceuticals will tie up with the Railways to supply generic medicines to shops at railway stations. Already, around 2000 Janaushadhi Kendras are functioning across the country mostly in government hospitals.

The government procured generic medicines are sold, which are 50%-90% less costly when compared to the branded medicines in the open market.

More than 600 medicines and 154 surgical items and consumables for most of the ailments are supplied to these shops, an official said.