(a) the estimated expenditure incurred under the Jan Aushadhi Scheme (JAS) since the implementation of the scheme, State/UT-wise;
(b) the reasons for setting up Jan Aushadhi Stores (JASs) in Government hospitals whereas many State Governments are already providing medicines free of cost through the Government hospitals;
(c) whether the Government proposes to open JASs in general locations of any urban or rural area and compete with private medical stores; and
(d) if so, the details thereof
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRIJtANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)
(a): The total expenditure incurred for implementation of Jan Aushadhi Scheme since inception is Rs 21.42 crores till 31032015 The scheme has 5 Heads
(i) Opening of New Jan Aushadhi stores
(ii) Working Capital
(iii) IT system and Capacity Building
(iv) Media Campaign and
(v) Administrative expenses The State wise break up of expenditure State/UT wise on one head `Opening of New Jan Aushadhi stores` is enclosed at Annexure.
(b): The State Governments` health schemes to provide medicines free of cost were not prevalent in all the States when the Jan Aushadhi scheme was launched to open Jan Aushadhi stores in Government hospitals Even where the facility of free medicines from government hospitals is available, there is still scope for Jan Aushadhi medicines in respect of items which are not covered under the free scheme.
(c)& (d): The new Jan Aushadhi scheme - 2013 provides for opening of Jan Aushadhi stores outside the premises of hospitals also Any NGO/Charitable Society/lnstitution/Self Help Group/Pharmacist/Doctors/ Registered Medical Practitioner are eligible for opening of Jan Aushadhi store subject to fulfillment of certain requirement as per BPPl guidelines available on the website of BPPI/Department of Pharmaceuticals. Further the scheme is being revised to expand its reach out under Strategic Action Plan, 2015.