The AMRIT Pharmacies story, where medicines are offered at up to 60pc discount

The government-run Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Pharmacies have turned out to be a boon for the sick, with the government deciding to subsidise the cost of medicines in a way that they are affordable and accessible to all sections of people. The primary selling point of this initiative is that these medicines can be purchased at a discount of up to almost 60 percent.

These medicines reportedly also have a better quality than the ones that are available at private medical stores with printed price tags. HLL Lifecare Ltd. (HLL), owned and run by the Government of India, is facilitating the supply of these medicines, which will have authentic prescriptions from doctors.

According to a report, AMRIT pharmacies will sell ‘Docetaxel 120mg’ used for chemotherapy cycle at Rs 888.75 (93 percent rebate) for one cycle, when the MRP of the injection is Rs 13,440. In a similar way, Caboplatin 450 mg would be sold at Rs 1,316.25 while its MRP is at Rs 2,561.57.

Dipika, who runs an AMRIT store at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, told India TV,

"High discounts are available on both medicines and surgical equipment: on medicines 60 to 70 percent and on surgical equipment we are offering up to 90-percent discount. Earlier, a patient had to pay around Rs 2.50 to Rs 3 lakh but now they are paying just Rs one lakh for the implants."

SC Parija, Director at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) told The Hindu that stents for orthopaedic, neurological and gastro implants are also available at the AMRIT Pharmacy. At least 195 cancer drugs, 110 cardio drugs and 190 supportive therapy drugs and implants are being made available at the pharmacy.

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