Centre mulls using post offices to expand Jan Aushadhi

Bengaluru: BJP MP Lahar Singh Siroya has pitched the use of the department of posts network to expand Jan Aushadhi Kendras to remote areas, with the Centre initiating an examination of the proposal.Singh said he had raised the issue in Parliament and later met Union communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, urging him to explore the idea. In a letter to the MP, Scindia said the department had examined the suggestion and found merit in leveraging post office infrastructure and India Post's last-mile delivery network for transportation and doorstep delivery of medicines."The proposal has significant potential to enhance access to affordable medicines, particularly in rural and remote areas," the minister said, adding that the matter has been referred to the department of pharmaceuticals to examine feasibility. "Further action will be taken after due consultation to ensure effective and seamless implementation," the letter added.Jan Aushadhi Kendras provide affordable generic medicines under a govt scheme aimed at improving access to low-cost drugs.