The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved a plan to open generic drug stores inside its hospitals. These outlets will provide essential medicines at prices much lower than those in the market. This will help thousands of patients, especially those from low-income families.
In the first phase, 50 stores will be opened across Mumbai. These outlets will be set up in primary, secondary, and major civic hospitals. The success of this initial phase will decide whether more stores are added in the next stage. As per sources, tenders for more than 4,000 medicines have already been issued.
The proposal was first suggested by the National Federation of Farmers’ Procurement, Processing and Retailing Cooperatives of India Ltd. (NACOF), which had sought approval to open 58 stores in the city. After discussions, BMC’s Urban Development Department approved 50 stores.
Each store will be allotted a space of 150 square feet within the hospital premises. The lease period will be 15 years, with a nominal rent of INR 5 per square foot per month.
As per reports, many patients are often forced to buy costly branded medicines because of delays in hospital procurement. Generic drugs are sold after the patent on a branded medicine expires. They contain the same active ingredients and work just as effectively but cost much less. For long-term illnesses, the price difference can save patients thousands of rupees each year.
Furthermore, the BMC’s health department plans to launch an online system. It will include a portal, dashboard, and chatbot to give real-time information. Patients will be able to check details about diagnostic services, bed availability, and facilities at major hospitals such as KEM, Sion, Nair, and Cooper, along with suburban hospitals and primary health centres.
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