The combination of Pantoprazole (40 mg) and Domperidone (30 mg) capsules has emerged as the most popular drug sold at Jan Aushadhi Kendras in India, according to recent sales data. These Kendras, which number almost 10,000, sell generic drugs to the public at affordable prices under the government’s Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) programme. Over the past year, the Kendras have sold an average of 10.8 lakh units of the combination capsules each month, with Telmisartan (used to treat high blood pressure) and Amlodipine (also used to treat high blood pressure) coming second and third in popularity.
The CEO of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), Ravi Dadhich, said that the generic drugs sold at the Kendras are between 50% and 90% cheaper than their branded alternatives, making them a popular choice. He added, Of the top 10 best-selling products at the Jan Aushadhi Kendras, 30% are products that are used to treat high blood pressure and diabetes. These are chronic conditions and treatment involves long-term medication. By opting for generic drugs, people can save a lot of money spent on drug purchase.
The PMBJP scheme stocks over 1,800 drugs and 285 surgical items, with antibiotics and anti-infectives, cancer drugs, cardiovascular drugs, and vitamins and minerals among the major groups. The scheme has been expanding rapidly, with only 80 Kendras in 2014-15, compared to almost 10,000 now. In 2019, the scheme began selling sanitary pads at INR 1 per pad.
To ensure the quality and safety of the drugs sold, the PMBI CEO said that all drugs are procured from WHO-GMP certified suppliers and each batch of drug is tested at laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories before being made available for purchase.
