Governor inaugurates 5th Jan Aushadhi Diwas

GANGTOK,: Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya today inaugurated the 5th Jan Aushadhi Diwas organised by State Health department at STNM Hospital in Gangtok.  

In his address, the Governor stressed the importance of providing quality education, food, and treatment to every citizen and responsibilities of the government to ensure that every facility, no matter how minute, reaches every corner of the country. He also highlighted the misconception among people that low-cost generic medicines are inferior to high-cost brand medicines, which has been disproven by researches. The Governor praised the efforts of Sikkim becoming the first certified organic State in India, having a high literacy rate, and contributing to the nation’s overall development, informs a PIB release.

The Jan Aushadhi programme was also recognized as an initiative that allows individuals who cannot afford basic amenities to avail quality medical treatment in India. Governor Acharya urged every citizen of the State to work towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for affordable and accessible medical treatment for every citizen in every corner of the country.

During the event, the Governor presented ‘Power of the Collective Award’ to Athee Lepcha, LHV, Phodong PHC, for her exceptional role in making Covid vaccines available in every vaccination centre during pandemic, and Anita Chhetri for outstanding accomplishment for the highest sale by Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Sikkim. The event also featured a cultural program presented by nursing students.

Health secretary Tshewang Gyacho spoke about the need for educating citizens and publicity programs to dispel the wrong information spread among people that generic medicine is inferior to costly brand medicines. He appealed to the Union government to open more Kendras in public interest and work towards availability, accessibility, and affordability of medical treatment in India. He also requested the Chemist Association of Sikkim to provide training and up-skilling to chemists and pharmacists in Sikkim for better service to common people.

PMBI representative Anirban Roy mentioned that the Jan Aushadhi programme’s main goal is not only to provide world-class medicines at an affordable price but also to generate employment. He stated that the programme has created over 30,000 jobs in India in the last eight years.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by NHM mission director Dr. Raj Prabha Moktan.