With efforts to extend price controls on essential medicines, the government of India has devised a policy to offer essential drugs including antibiotics, painkillers and anti-allergics at prices less than 50 per cent of the maximum retail price (MRP) in its ‘Jan Aushadhi’ stores across the country, said an official source.
In this first-of-its-kind initiative, the government plans to set up 24×7 retail outlets in states, starting with Punjab and Andhra Pradesh. Delhi is expected to have its retail store over the next few weeks, added the source.
State governments, along with certain non-profit organisations including Red Cross will be roped in for managing these stores.
—IndiaRetailing Bureau
