Azad opens AIIMS pharmacy store, convergence block

Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Sunday inaugurated a free pharmacy store and a convergence block at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here.

"Some 9,000-10,000 patients are treated in the AIIMS OPD every day. Of these, many do not have the economic means to purchase medicines. The generic pharmacy store will provide free medicines to such patients," said Azad.

It is estimated the store will benefit close to 4,000 patients per day.

"The expense on these free generic medicines will be about Rs.1.2 crore every month, which will be borne by the ministry of health and family welfare," Azad added.

The minister added the new 10-storeyed convergence block will house facilities for various departments, including pathology, biology, anatomy and pharmacology.

"It will also have teaching rooms, laboratories, research units alongwith a knowledge centre," he said.

It has been built at the cost of Rs.50.85 crore.