Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana encouraging 'Ease of Living': PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana' is making healthcare affordable and encouraging 'Ease of Living'.

Addressing the 40th episode of his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme, the Prime Minister said under this scheme medicines are 50 percent to 90 per cent cheaper than branded drugs available in the market.

"With over 3,000 Jan Aushadhi Centres under 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana', medicines are available at 50 per cent to 90 per cent cheaper than branded drugs available in the market. This is making healthcare affordable and encouraging 'Ease of Living'," Prime Minister modi stated.

He added that Darshan, from Mysore, wrote to him about latter's father's treatment because of which he was undergoing an expenditure of Rs 6,000 per month on medicines.

"Darshan was not aware of 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana'. But now he has begun purchasing medicines under this scheme and his expenses have been reduced by 75 per cent. He has expressed that and I am mentioning this here, so that it reaches the maximum number of people and they can benefit as well," Prime Minister Modi said.

He asserted that the sole aim behind this step is to ensure the availability of quality and affordable health service to the poorest of the poor, so that a healthy and prosperous India comes into being.