In a bid to enhance passenger amenities, Indian Railways is stepping up efforts to cater to passengers’ health needs.
Facing health issues while at the railway station can be distressing for travelers.
To alleviate this concern, the Ministry of Railways has taken the initiative to establish Pradhan Mantri Jan Bhartiya Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) at stations.
These centers will offer passengers convenient access to low-cost medications during their journeys.
This move is set to provide millions of railway travelers with economical medicines right at the station, especially during emergencies.
What are Jan Aushadhi Kendras?
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana was introduced by the central government, led by Prime Minister Modi, on April 24, 2018.
The scheme aims to make essential medicines affordable and accessible to the general public.
Jan Aushadhi Kendras are specialized medical stores where generic medications are available at prices 70 to 80 percent lower than market rates.
Benefits of Jan Aushadhi Kendras at Railway Stations
Passengers often encounter health issues while traveling by train or may forget to carry their medications.
In such critical situations, the Jan Aushadhi Kendras situated at railway stations will offer an option to purchase medicines at cost-effective prices.
This not only benefits passengers but also generates new employment opportunities.
Individuals interested in operating a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra at railway stations will need to obtain a license through an e-auction process.
The design of this e-auction system has been developed by NID Ahmedabad.
List of Stations Offering Jan Aushadhi Kendra Facilities
As a pilot project, Indian Railways plans to introduce this service at 50 railway stations across the nation.
These stations include Secunderabad, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, Veerangana Laxmi Bai,
Lucknow Junction, Gorakhpur Junction, Banaras, Agra Cantt, Mathura, Yog Nagari Rishikesh, Kashipur,
Malda Town, Kharagpur, Madan Mahal, Bina, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Manmad, New Tinsukia,
Lumding, Rangiya, Darbhanga, Patna, Katihar, Janjgir-Naila, Bagbahra, Anand Vihar, Ankleshwar,
Mahesana Junction, Pimpri, Solapur, Nainpur, Nagbhid, Malad, Khurda Road, Phagwara, Rajpura,
and Sawai Madhopur. Additional centers will also be established at Tirupati, Sini Junction, Srinagar,
SMVT Bengaluru, Bangarapet, Mysore, Hubli Junction, Palakkad, Pendra Road, Ratlam, Tiruchirappalli Junction, Erode, and Dindigul Junction.
