evidence: Shah said 241 PACS have so far opened Jan Aushadi Kendras, or state-backed generic drug stores, across the country that will "ensure rural poor and farmers avail the benefits of generic medicines at affordable rates". Opening Jan Aushadhi Kendras through PACS would "strengthen PACS as cooperative organisations, besides expanding the reach of quality and affordable medicines", said Union health and fertilisers minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who also addressed the event. [...] Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadi Kendras, a chain of generic drug stores, provide generic medicines to general public, which cost 50-90 per cent less than their branded versions.