Govt's Janaushadhi Kendras To Accept Orders For Medicines On WhatsApp

Many Janaushadhi Kendras are accepting orders for medicines through WhatsApp and e-mail channels to ensure easier procurement of medicines by patients during the lockdown, the government said on Tuesday.

At present, there are over 6,300 Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) functioning in 726 districts of the country ensuring the supply of quality medicines at affordable prices, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said in a statement.

"It is heartening to note that many PMBJKs are using modern communication tools including social media platforms like Whatsapp to provide better services in effecting faster delivery of essential medicines to the needy," said DV Sadananda Gowda Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

In April 2020, medicine worth Rs 52 crore has been supplied throughout the country, the statement said.

Supply arrangements with India Post have been made for the delivery of medicines to the remotely located stores, it added.

It wasn't specified how orders for medicines could be placed for delivery. There is, however, a dedicated app called "Jan Aushadhi Sugam" available on Android and iOs that helps find nearest Kendra to purchase medicine.