The government today said 437 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have become operational across the country and it plans to open 3,000 such centres by March 2017 to provide quality medicines at affordable rates.

The maximum number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras are in Chhattisgarh at 122, followed by Uttar Pradesh 53, Maharashtra 35 and Kerala 33. Odisha and Punjab have 25 and 23 such centres.

"As on September 20, 2016, 437 Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras spread over 26 States/UTs are operational across the country. The government is committed to open 3000 PMJAK by March 2017 across India," an official statement said.

The agreements have been signed with many national NGOs/ trusts/societies like CSC, PCI, CNRI, Shree Tapovan vikas Trust, Indian Red Cross Society, lions Club, CISSIl, CMAI, IMA, Vignan Bharathi, Bharat Sevak Samaj etc for setting up of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in different States.

"Discussions are in progress with state governments of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam for implementation of the PMJAY by opening of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras in government hospitals," the statement said.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals is taking several regulatory and fiscal measures to ensure availability of quality medicines at affordable prices for all, especially the poor and the disadvantaged.

The department, in association with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings, launched a countrywide campaign for ensuring availability of generic medicines at affordable prices for all, under the project title 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY)'.

"It envisages key initiative of opening of dedicated outlets Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMJAK) where high quality generic medicines are sold at low prices. Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is implementing the scheme," the statement said.