Government may use postal network to boost Jan Aushadhi reach

The Centre is examining a proposal to use the Postal Department network to expand access to Jan Aushadhi medicines. The plan aims to improve availability and delivery of affordable drugs in rural and remote regions through post office infrastructure.

Hyderabad: The Central government is examining a proposal to expand access to affordable medicines by leveraging the extensive network of the Postal Department to support Jan Aushadhi Kendras, particularly in rural and remote regions.

The move follows a suggestion by Karnataka MP Lahar Singh Siroya, who raised the issue in Parliament and later took it up with Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The proposal seeks to utilise post office infrastructure to establish Jan Aushadhi outlets and harness India Post’s last-mile delivery network for transportation and doorstep delivery of medicines.

---

In an official communication to Siroya, Scindia appreciated the idea, stating that it could significantly expand the reach of affordable medicines to underserved areas. The proposal has now been referred to the Department of Pharmaceuticals for further examination and feasibility assessment.

If implemented, the Union Minister said the initiative could integrate postal logistics with public healthcare delivery, addressing accessibility challenges in regions with limited medical infrastructure. The plan is expected to undergo inter-departmental consultations before a final decision is taken.