The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to enhance healthcare accessibility with the introduction of 24×7 generic medicine stores in its hospitals and maternity homes. Starting next month, these stores will be operational at 19 locations identified by the civic body. The move aims to make affordable and quality generic drugs easily available to both patients and the general public.
Collaboration with NACOF: A Strategic Partnership for Healthcare
To implement this initiative, PMC has partnered with the National Federation of Farmers’ Procurement and Processing and Retailing Cooperatives of India Ltd (NACOF), a multi-state cooperative society. NACOF has a successful track record of operating generic medicine shops at prominent hospitals in Delhi, bringing cost-effective healthcare solutions to the masses.
Benefits of Generic Medicine Stores
Generic drugs are equivalent to their branded counterparts in terms of dosage, strength, safety, and efficacy. These medicines, marketed without a brand name, offer a more affordable alternative. PMC-run maternity homes and hospitals will provide space for these stores, with NACOF paying rent to the civic body.
Dr. Sanjeev Wavare, Assistant Health Officer of PMC, emphasized that the move is a significant step towards making healthcare more accessible to a larger population. He highlighted that the prices of generic drugs are comparatively lower than branded ones, making them a cost-effective choice for patients.
PMC’s Commitment to Affordable Healthcare
Dr. Bhagwan Pawar, Health Officer of PMC, reiterated the civic body’s commitment to providing free treatment and medicines to citizens across all healthcare facilities. The generic drug stores, while serving patients of PMC hospitals, will also benefit common citizens seeking affordable healthcare solutions.
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of ensuring quality medicines at affordable prices. With the cost of medicines being a barrier for many, especially those from economically disadvantaged sections, the introduction of generic drug stores is poised to be a game-changer.
