India to begin exporting Jan Aushadhi Medicines to Mauritius
The stock of drugs is being prepared in accordance with a report of 16 different fields prepared by Mauritius. It includes cancer, anti-diabetic, antibiotics, nervous system, urology, painkillers, antifungal drugs, and supplements.
India Initiates Affordable Medicine Export to Mauritius, Cuts Prices Dramatically
India will be initiating the export of Jan Aushadi medicines to Mauritius in a decision that has come after the bilateral meeting in May. These drugs will be exported at a price 50-90% lower than that of the other pharmaceutical brands in the market.
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a scheme launched by the Indian government that aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses. It aims at making drugs for critical ailments like cancer, diabetes and infections more easily accessible to those that require the medicines and cannot afford the higher market prices of the common medicines.
Under this scheme, India has found a way to offer 42 out of 90 cancer drugs at the lowest price globally. This step is aligned with the vision of the Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya who places a lot of importance on the idea of treating healthcare as a service rather than a political or commercial subject.
Speaking at the inauguration of Sanjeevani United Against Cancer, Mandaviya said, “We are increasing (the number of) cancer hospitals and tertiary care facilities. Our approach towards the health sector is holistic. We have increased (the number of) MBBS and post-graduate medical seats and colleges and created medical educational resources. The Ayushman Bharat health infrastructure mission is working towards it. We launched the pharma policy on Tuesday. We are the pharmacy of the world in generic medicines.”
Mandaviya also mentioned that these recent steps taken to elevate health from being a political subject were not token event, done for goodwill and fully developed plans. “With time, the pattern of diseases changes. It is important to have a holistic approach towards the sector. Health can never be a political subject. We merged health with development from 2014. Not as a token, but a total gesture. Instead of just opening dispensaries, we focused on making health services accessible to all,” he said.
According to News18, the meeting itself has also been where it was decided to expedite regulatory processes related to certification to make the Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Mauritius fully functional. “So far, we have decided to open just one store which will be managed by the Government of Mauritius. India will keep sending the stock as and when required by them,” a senior government official said.
The official also clarified that this scheme would not tap into the role of Indian big pharma, clearing up some doubts that were levied over the export function. They said, “This does not mean that the government will take over the role of exporting medicines from Indian pharma companies. We are exporting in very small quantities that are not even worth Rs 10 crore.”
In regards to future export, India has made its intention on sharing the Jan Aushadhi stores to several other countries in the South Asia and Asia-Pacific region.
