'Niramay Yojana' scheme introduced

Wardha: Several organizations came together on Saturday to conduct an awareness programme on generic medicines and introduce 'Niramay Yojana' scheme for distributing them.

Doctors, association of chemists and druggists and Nayantara social organization held this event at Satyanarayan Bajaj library. Reputed doctors from city and superintendent of Sewagram hospital, Dr AP Kalantri, guided the participants. Dr Arun Pawade presented a slide show for explaining benefits of various generic medicines.

During an interactive session, doctors informed that how generic medicines can save life of poor people who cannot afford expensive branded medicines. Ex-president of Indian Medical Association, Dr Arun Pawade said, "Doctors should not prescribe branded medicines as they need to understand their responsibility towards society."

Dr Ulhas Jajoo said, "Doctors must be given a code of conduct as they may be lured by offers of drug manufactures. President of chemist and druggist association, Wardha, Satish Vanmali, said, "Niramay Yojana can be implemented only if doctors, chemists and patients participate equally because they are the three pillars of the scheme." He added that chemists sell medicines prescribed by doctors only so the onus lies with the latter.

Organizer Basant Pandey said, "Nayantara organization will implement this scheme in the city and create awareness."