Non-functional Jan Aushadhi store at CHC Zachaldara puts financial strain on poor patients

Kupwara, July 18: The residents of Rajwar have expressed their distress over closure of Jan Aushadhi store at Community Health Centre (CHC) Zachaldara for several months with the result that locals of over fifty villages are forced to buy medicines from the open market.

The residents said that with the closure of the store they are forced to buy medicines from the open market at higher rates. “I believe these Jan Aushadhi stores are a lifeline for the poor people as we get medicines here at affordable rates. Most of the people in Upper Rajwar belong to the labour class so closing the store at CHC Zachaldara has impacted us badly,” a local told Greater Kashmir.

“The medicines which I used to buy for my mother at Jan Aushadhi store for Rs 300 every month, now I have to spend Rs 700 to buy the same medicines. We are really suffering due to the closure of said store at CHC Zachaldara,” he added.

Meanwhile Block Medical Officer (BMO) Zachaldara Dr Abdul Gani told Greater Kashmir that the pharmacist who was assigned to run the store, attained superannuation few months back with the result services of Jan Aushadhi store are at a halt.

"As of now I don't have a pharmacist who can run the store so it is up to higher ups to take a call on this," he added.

Locals have urged the concerned authorities to take prompt action regarding resumption of Jan Aushadhi services at CHC Zachaldara. They are hopeful that Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kupwara will respond to their appeals and ensure the resumption of services at the earliest.