Kolkata: More than 1,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are operational across Bengal, with 469 more set to open in govt hospitals, bringing quality generic medicines within reach of every household at 50-90% lower prices than branded alternatives, BJP functionary Amit Malviya said on Thursday.Sharing data on X, Malviya said 1,014 Jan Aushadhi Kendras were operational in the state as on June 30, 2026, according to figures presented by the Centre in Rajya Sabha.North 24 Parganas has the highest number of such centres in the state at 203, followed by Kolkata with 162. Hooghly and Howrah each have 109 Jan Aushadhi Kendras.“And we’re not stopping here. The state govt will open 469 more Jan Aushadhi Kendras in govt hospitals, ensuring that low-cost, quality medicines are available right where patients need them most. Because healthcare shouldn’t be a luxury; it should be a right,” Malviya said.Centre’s Ayushman Bharat scheme was also launched in Bengal recently. It will bring close to 1.4 crore families, or about six crore people, under cashless healthcare coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh a year, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari said. For the remaining 80 lakh families outside Ayushman Bharat’s beneficiary list, the state govt has introduced Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme.Under the two schemes, beneficiaries will be able to get cashless treatment at 1,240 private and 627 govt hospitals in Bengal. Besides, the schemes provide access to a nationwide network of 38,604 empanelled hospitals, allowing beneficiaries to seek treatment outside the state as well.
