By Sheikh Mustafa
Uri, Baramulla – A new Jan Aushadhi shop has been inaugurated in Uri, providing residents with access to affordable generic medicines. The shop is part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) initiative, a government program that aims to make essential medicines accessible to all at lower prices.
The Jan Aushadhi store in Uri will offer a wide range of generic medicines at significant discounts compared to branded medications. This will help residents save money on their healthcare costs, especially those who rely on regular medication.
“We are delighted to open a new Jan Aushadhi shop in Uri,” said Muneer Ahmad Mangral, Secretary of the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Society (PAACS). “This shop will play a vital role in ensuring that everyone in the community has access to the medicines they need at affordable prices. Here, medicines are given at 50 to 80% discounts. Besides that, it will stand as a beacon of hope for affordable healthcare in this remote border town of Uri.”
Mangral emphasized the impact of the Jan Aushadhi program, which has been credited with improving access to healthcare for millions of people in India. “The new shop in Uri is expected to have a similar positive impact on the local community,” he added.
Mohammad Maqbool Sheikh, another employee of the Cooperative Society Uri, expressed his enthusiasm for the new store. “This is a momentous day for Uri,” he declared, his voice filled with emotion. “With this Jan Aushadhi shop, quality medicines will now be within reach of every citizen, regardless of their economic status.”
The shop’s shelves were stocked with a wide array of generic medicines, promising to provide essential drugs at a fraction of the cost of branded alternatives. For many in Uri, where healthcare expenses had long been a burden, this represented a significant change.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Uri Javid Ahmad Rather, present at the inauguration alongside Muneer Ahmad Mangral, emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to public health. “The opening of this Jan Aushadhi store is a step towards realizing our vision of healthcare for all,” he stated. “It’s not just about affordable medicines; it’s about giving people the chance to live healthier, more productive lives.”
Ishfaq Ahmad, a mass communication graduate, expressed the community’s optimism. “Today, Uri embarks on a significant journey. This small shop carries the hopes and dreams of our entire community. It’s a small beginning, but one that will have a profound impact on countless lives,” he envisioned.