SHILLONG: The state government on Wednesday signed an MoU with Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) to enable procurement of medicines at affordable prices for the people of the state.
Speaking to newspersons after singing the MoU, Health Minister AL Hek said that the idea is being implemented in Meghalaya as part of the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadi Pariyojna.
With this move, the Health Department will begin phase one by setting up pharmacies in every government-run district hospital, he said adding the endeavour of the department is to provide quality and affordable medicines to the people.
The Health department is also contemplating to involve private players in opening up pharmacies for the drugs in phase I.
Meanwhile, CEO of BPPI Sachin Singh informed that they have 5,451 centres all over the country and that the drugs though generic are of high quality.
He informed that the rates of the medicines will be 50 per cent cheaper and at times even 90 per cent than their branded counterparts.
He also informed that they have a readymade stock of 326 drugs listed in the national list of essential medicines and will deliver the requirement within 48 hours of receiving the order.