(Representational Image) 
Raipur: In a bid to boost the public health infrastructure and provide medicines at a marginal cost to people at large across the state, the Chhattisgarh government is all set to give a further boost to its popular Shri Dhanwantri Generic Medical Store— a scheme aimed at providing quality generic medicines at affordable prices.
Sources close to development tell Times Now that the government is eyeing to open more such stores sooner and the work for it has been started already. At the moment, 105 stores are functional where people buy their medicines from. The government aims at opening close to 90 more stores which will ensure more people get their medicines at a reasonable cost.
These medical stores at the moment provide around 251 types of allopathic medicines, 27 surgical items and vaccines plus 69 herbal products.
The project is being executed by the Department of Urban Administration and Development in collaboration with the Urban Local Bodies.
Why are the prices low at these stores?
Generic medicines are safe, effective and economical as compared to the branded medicines available in the market. But due to non-branding, it is available at miniscule price as compared to that of Brand Leader and original patented company, an official said.
The scheme was launched in Oct 2021 with an aim to provide Generic Medicines at a minimum discount of 50% to 80% on the mentioned MRP from pre-listed TOP 20 Generic Medicine Companies.
“The availability of quality generic pharmaceutical products will bring about an improvement in the medical healthcare sector as well as a relief for people living in urban areas who have to spend a lot of money on travelling, sometimes without any guarantee that they will find a chemist or pharmacist who stocks or sells their required medicine,” another official said.
The scheme is being executed by the special purpose vehicle under the chairmanship of district collectors known as Urban Public Service society (UPSS). Cities that come under the jurisdiction of District Collectors are part of this UPSS.
How does it work?
Qualified outlets have to stock a minimum of 251 medicines of day-to-day use, as specified along with 27 surgical & OTC items. Base discount on MRP is the determining factor for awarding an SDGMS scheme outlet.
Minimum discount offered on MRP to the beneficiaries or end-users of medicines is 50% onwards. Anyone who qualifies according to RFP can submit their quotation through an advertised process which will be chosen and awarded premises at nominal monthly rent by the government.
Shri Dhanwantri Generic Medical Store have been established in the state as per local requirements and availability. At least one store for every town is earmarked.