To facilitate medicine procurement during lockdown, many Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) under the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers are accepting orders for medicines on WhatsApp and e-mail. Medicines are delivered at the doorsteps of the patients on the basis of uploaded prescriptions. This move is ensuring use of technology for facilitating easier procurement of medicines by the users. In addition, supply arrangements with India Post has also been made for supply to remotely located stores.

Complementing PMBJKs for this initiative Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers DV Sadananda Gowda said, “It is heartening to note that many PMBJKs are using modern communication tools including social media plataforms like Whatsapp to provide better services in effecting faster delivery of essential medicines to the needy.”

• PMBJKs are working under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
• At present there are over 6300 PMBJKs functioning in 726 districts of the country ensuring supply of quality medicines at affordable prices.
• These medicine are cheaper by about 50% to 90% on an average. In April 2020 around 52,crore rupees worth of medicine have been supplied throughout the country.

Moreover, a dedicated team has been created of BPPI Officers for every State to sort out bottlenecks in supply due to lockdown. Jan Aushadhi warehouses are working at full capacity and inhouse residential arrangements have been made for staff.