MGM Hospital Jamshedpur: No Jan Aushadhi Kendra Even After 8 Years

Jamshedpur: Several efforts have been made over the last eight years to start a Jan Aushadhi Kendra (generic medicine centre) at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Hospital (MGM Hospital) in Jamshedpur. But none of the efforts have borne fruit, largely due to administrative delays.

The brunt of this delay is being borne directly by the underprivileged patients visiting the hospital for treatment, who are forced to buy expensive medicines from external pharmacies. Initially, the centre was supposed to open at the old MGM Hospital building in Sakchi. Following the demolition of that building, preparations are now underway to start it in the new MGM building, but the matter remains in limbo.

Tussle Between Two Bidders; Guidelines Sought from Headquarters

Hospital Superintendent Dr. Balram Jha stated that the tendering process for opening the Jan Aushadhi Kendra has been completed. However, the matter got stuck because two bidders ended up in a tie. A letter has been written to the department headquarters seeking guidelines on this issue. The centre will be launched as soon as a green light is received from there.

A committee led by the Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC), which also includes a Drug Inspector, has been formed to oversee this entire process.

Patients to Receive 60% to 80% Discounts

A Jan Aushadhi Kendra typically stocks around 585 types of medicines, covering almost every serious illness from blood pressure to diabetes. Compared to the open market, medicines here are 60% to 80% cheaper. Since patients with BP and diabetes need to take medication daily, the opening of this centre will provide them with financial relief.

Sadar Hospital is the Only Facility with an Operational Centre

Currently, the Sadar Hospital is the only facility in the district running a Jan Aushadhi Kendra, where 76 types of medicines are presently available. Patients coming for treatment there receive most of their medicines from the Jan Aushadhi Kendra, benefiting them immensely. The majority of patients visiting government hospitals are underprivileged and do not have the financial means to purchase expensive medicines from outside shops.