J&K governor calls for popularising generic medicines

Srinagar: Expressing concern over the menace of spurious drugs, Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra has emphasised the need for making available quality medicines to the people at affordable prices.
The Governor was addressing after inaugurating first Jan Aushadhi Generic Drugs Store in Jammu and Kashmir at the Red Cross Complex, Exchange Road, here last evening.
This Generic Drugs outlet has been set up under the initiative of the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and coordinated by the Pharma PSUs of India with a view to providing quality medicines to the people at affordable prices.
He observed that the availability of generic drugs manufactured by the Central and State PSUs can contribute significantly towards tackling the problem of the rapid increase in the prices of drugs, injectibles and other material required for medical care.
He said there is enormous difference, upto fifteen times more, between the prices of branded and generic drugs.
He stressed the need for popularising generic drugs. He said the doctors have an important role in popularising generic drugs in the State.
Referring to the activities of the Red Cross, the Governor called for dynamic efforts being made to mobilize adequate resources to give meaningful momentum to ameliorative activities in the state.
He appealed to the affluent sections of the society, philanthropists and the corporate sector to donate liberally to the Red Cross Society in the State to help those in distress.
The Governor gave away cash awards to three drivers of the Indian Red Cross Society who had done commendable work during summer’s last year. He interacted with the awardee drivers and lauded the good work done by them.
He presided over the Lucky Bag Draw of the Red Cross and took out three tickets which won the first three prizes.
The Minister for Medical Education R S Chib announced that generic drugs outlets will be set up in the Government Medical College Hospitals at Srinagar and Jammu as well as the Associated Hospitals thereof soon.
He said the government is in the process of formulating a Drug Policy in the state.