New Delhi, March 24 -- A parliamentary standing committee has called for more government drug outlets to be opened in the north-eastern states and Union territories, expressing concern over their uneven distribution.

The objective of these Jan Aushadhi Kendras is to provide quality generic medicines that are 50-80% cheaper than branded drugs.

Jan Aushadhi Kendras are established under the central government scheme Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), implemented by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals.

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