India plans cheap drug stores for the poor

India's government is reported to be planning the launch of a public-private partnership for stores which would sell cheap generic drugs for poorer segments of the population. In principle, medicines sold at these outlets would cost half the rate of branded equivalents, the Economic Times of India stated.

A pilot project covering 15 of India's 35 states and union territories is planned for the first phase, with the government providing about 300,000 rupees ($6,870) for each outlet, including land and construction. The locations will be chosen for their proximity to public hospitals and clinics.