NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, NOV 13
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated 18 new Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) across railway stations nationwide through video conferencing from Darbhanga in Bihar.
Hon'ble PM inaugurated the initiative of the Pradhan Mantri #JanAushadhi Kendra at Thanjavur railway station with other dignitaries gracing the event.
This new facility brings affordable healthcare closer to passengers, reinforcing #SouthernRailway commitment to public welfare. pic.twitter.com/y6PAr66Tw8
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) November 13, 2024
These centers, including the pioneer PMBJKs at Nagercoil Junction in Thiruvananthapuram Division and Thanjavur Railway Station in Tiruchchirappalli Division, will ensure the availability of affordable medicines at railway stations, promoting awareness and use of high-quality generic medicines and reducing healthcare costs for the traveling public.
- The value of the PMBJK initiative (பிரதம மந்திரியின் இந்திய மக்கள் மருந்தகம்) in providing accessible, affordable healthcare at Nagercoil Junction, which will particularly benefit the economically disadvantaged: M.R. Gandhi, MLA of Nagercoil
- With the addition of these 18 new centers, a total of 14,300 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras are now operational across India, including 1,270 in Tamil Nadu alone
The Pradhan Mantri #JanAushadhi Kendra at Nagercoil railway station is now open,offering passengers quality medicines at affordable prices.
Hon'ble PM inaugurated the initiative, with Hon'ble MLA Shri M. R. Gandhi gracing the event alongside other dignitaries & Railway officials pic.twitter.com/QQXefqgx7t
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) November 13, 2024
The inaugural event at Nagercoil Junction was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including R Mahesh, Mayor of Nagercoil Municipal Corporation; M.R. Gandhi, MLA of Nagercoil; Dr. S Merliant Dhas, District Panchayat President; and Ward Councilors from Nagercoil Corporation. Dr. Manish Thaplyal, Divisional Railway Manager welcomed and honoured the dignitaries along with senior railway officers in the presence of massive crowd who came to witness the historic moment.
Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister, M.R. Gandhi, MLA of Nagercoil, highlighted the value of the PMBJK initiative (பிரதம மந்திரியின் இந்திய மக்கள் மருந்தகம்) in providing accessible, affordable healthcare at Nagercoil Junction, which will particularly benefit the economically disadvantaged.
With the addition of these 18 new centers, a total of 14,300 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras are now operational across India, including 1,270 in Tamil Nadu alone. The PMBJK initiative, envisioned to make essential medicines accessible at significantly reduced prices, has so far saved Indian citizens an estimated Rs. 25,000 crore in healthcare expenses over the past nine years.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for significant railway infrastructure projects, amounting to over Rs. 1,740 crore, further enhancing India’s transportation network. Key projects include:
The Sonenagar Bypass Railway line from Chiralapothu to Bagha Bishunpur in Bihar’s Aurangabad district, valued at over Rs. 220 crore.
Gauge conversion of the Jhanjharpur-Laukaha Bazar Rail section, and the Darbhanga Bypass Railway Line, which will alleviate traffic congestion at Darbhanga Junction and strengthen connectivity in the region.
Doubling of railway lines to facilitate improved regional connectivity.
In addition, the Prime Minister flagged off new MEMU train services in the Jhanjharpur-Laukaha Bazar section, providing enhanced access to jobs, education, and healthcare facilities for local communities.
These projects underscore infrastructure development and healthcare accessibility, aligning with the nation’s broader goal of sustainable and inclusive growth.
