Low awareness of generic drugs in AP: Minister Satya Kumar

Vijayawada: Minister for medical, health and family welfare Satya Kumar Yadav highlighted the low awareness of generic medicines in Andhra Pradesh, noting that while there are 13,822 Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJ Kendras) nationwide, the state has only 215, a shortfall attributed to the negligence of the previous government. He expressed regret over the former administration's lack of attention to generic medicines and its failure to prioritise public health.

Replying to questions in the AP Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, the Minister praised the members for raising a critical issue related to the health of the poor. He outlined that there are 325 generic medicine shops in the state, with 215 being PMBJ Kendras, 73 Anna Sanjeevani Kendras, and 37 run by NGOs. Additionally, 34,761 retail drug stores now sell both generic and branded medicines.

Minister Satya Kumar acknowledged the limited awareness among the public about generic drugs, citing that even private hospital doctors rarely prescribe them. He revealed that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has decided to encourage youth to open PMBJ Kendras in every Mandal centre, providing employment opportunities in the process.

The government is prioritising the procurement and supply of generic medicines, focusing on 560 approved essential medicines across government health institutions. He mentioned a large-scale Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to raise awareness about the quality of generic drugs, and urged unemployed pharmacists to establish Janaushadhi shops. Additionally, only generic medicines will be prescribed in government hospitals, with branded medicines purchased only in emergencies.