Source: DD News
Subject: Government Initiative
Context: AMRIT Pharmacy marked its 10th anniversary, with Union Health Minister announcing nationwide expansion and unveiling new digital upgrades.
About 10 years of AMRIT Pharmacy:
What it is?
- AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) Pharmacy is a government initiative providing life-saving medicines, implants, and medical consumables at 50–90% discounted rates.
Launched in: 2015, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to expand affordable access to critical medicines across India.
Organisation Involved: Implemented nationwide by HLL Lifecare Limited, a Central Public Sector Enterprise under MoHFW.
Aim: To ensure that quality branded and branded-generic medicines, surgical implants, and critical care products are accessible and affordable, especially for low-income and high-burden patients.
Key Features:
- Pan-India Network: Over 255 operational outlets, now expanding to 500—targeted for every medical college and district hospital.
- Deep Discounts: Offers 50–90% reduction on essential medicines, oncology drugs, cardiac implants, and surgical consumables.
- Massive Patient Savings: Medicines worth ₹17,000 crore (MRP) dispensed at discounted rates, generating ₹8,400 crore in savings for patients.
- High Reach: Benefited 85 crore patients in 10 years, cutting catastrophic health expenditure.
- Digital Upgradation: Launch of AMRIT ITes Eco-Green Version 2.0 to improve transparency, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
- Enhanced Services:
- Mobile Pharmacy Van for rural outreach
- 24×7 National Contact Centre
- My Stamp release & Coffee Table Book
- Integration of Ayurvedic medicines in multi-disciplinary institute.
- Skilled Workforce: Employs certified pharmacy professionals (D.Pharm, B.Pharm).
Significance:
- Affordable Healthcare Access: Reduces out-of-pocket expenditure—critical for diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disorders.
- Strengthens UHC Goal: Supports India’s mission of Accessible, Affordable, Equitable Healthcare under Ayushman Bharat.
- Supports Tertiary Care: Ensures all essential drugs and implants are available in AIIMS and major medical colleges.
