New Delhi, Sept. 12 -- The Centre has scrapped the minimum distance rule for setting up new affordable pharmacies, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, in metropolitan and densely populated cities.

The Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India's (PMBI) decision, effective 10 September, is intended to improve public access to affordable generic medicines by helping meet the target to open 25,000 stores by 31 March 2027, according to the documents reviewed by Mint and government officials close to the development.

As of now, 17,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are operational, offering 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical items.

"By relaxing the distance rules, especially in densely populated urban areas, the PMBI is trying to accelerate the establishment ...