Sama being an integral part of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA) participated in the two day event (21st – 22nd January, 2015) on ‘Universal Access to Free Medicine and Free Diagnostics’ organized by JSA, Prayas and Oxfam India at India International Centre, Lodhi Road.
The event reflected upon various issues of public health particularly in the context of providing ‘access to medicines’ situation in India with a special focus on free and universal access to essential medicines by the government. The discussions also deliberated on the emerging challenges in the Indian pharma industry and its implication for domestic production and supply of generic medicines. The members of JSA also participated in the event. There were JSA representatives from approximately 8 states, who shared the implementation status of free drugs and diagnostic schemes in their respective states.
The event was concluded with a brainstorming session on the emerging framework for future action. The discussion also focused around initiating and strengthening free medicines mechanism and identifying spaces for future action.