Union Minister, Amit Shah, emphasized the confluence of cooperation and health, citing the collaboration’s impact on prosperity and well-being. Symbolic certificates were awarded to PACS in Maharashtra, Bihar, Jammu Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Shah commended the Ministry of Cooperation’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, outlining plans to establish 2 lakh new PACS in the next 5 years, ensuring coverage in every Panchayat. He stressed fulfilling Modi’s vision of empowering the poorest through cooperation by 2047.
Shah detailed the transformation of PACS, incorporating model bye-laws and diversifying their functions beyond agriculture credit. The revamped PACS now engage in micro ATMs, Kisan Credit Cards, Animal Husbandry Promotion Centers, CSCs, and even LPG dealerships. They are authorized for the ‘Har Ghar Nal se Jal’ campaign, operating affordable medicine and ration shops, and distributing fertilizers. The PACS, now involved in 22 different types of work, have been granted priority for LPG dealerships. Shah highlighted the support from the Petroleum Ministry for PACS to run petrol pumps, contribute to water campaigns, and provide extensive services.
He lauded the success of the ‘Prime Minister Storage’ facility, enabling PACS to build modern warehouses with minimal capital, projecting the world’s largest storage capacity in three years. Despite challenges, 2373 PACS have been fully approved, with 248 already operational. Shah highlighted the collaboration with the Pharmacy Council of India for Jan Aushadhi Kendra, with 40 field officers facilitating smooth operations.
Shah urged PACS representatives to adhere to bye-laws, familiarize themselves with the Ministry’s schemes,
and envision PACS as centers of energy and development. He acknowledged Modi’s healthcare initiatives, including Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Mission Indradhanush, Jal Jeevan Mission, and various cleanliness and health programs. Shah detailed the exponential growth in the health budget and per capita expenditure, emphasizing digital health infrastructure.
The Minister of Cooperation expressed confidence in India becoming a global leader in pharmaceuticals by 2047. He praised the country’s achievements in supplying generic medicines, vaccines, and affordable HIV medications, highlighting a significant increase in medicine exports under Modi’s leadership.
