In the last nine years, the number of Janaushadhi Kendras have increased by 100 times and the sales have increased more than 150 times. Janaushadhi Kendras are opened under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana to make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all. The scheme was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers Ministry in 2008.<br />”&nbsp;<br />”Talking exclusively to Akashwani, CEO Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India, Ravi Dadhich said that this scheme has helped citizens to save around 20,000 crore rupees on their medicine bills in last nine years. He said, the government has set a target to increase the number of Janaushadhi Kendras to 10,000 by the end of this year.<br />”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br />”<span style="color: #222222;">Akashwani correspondent reports that over 9,400 Janaushadhi Kendras are functional across the country where medicines are being sold at 50 to 90 per cent cheaper rates compared to branded medicines. The product basket of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana comprises 1,800 drugs and 285 surgical equipment.</span><br />