New Delhi, Aug 7 (IANS): Besides price regulation, the government has also enabled access to affordable essential medicines through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), under which quality medicines are offered through Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) at rates that are typically 50-80 per cent lower than the prices of branded medicines, the Parliament was informed on Friday. Licenses for manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs are granted by the State Licensing Authorities (SLAs) appointed by respective state governments. “State Licensing Authorities carry out periodic inspections or as per risk-based approach from time to time of the licensed premises for verification of compliance with the provisions of the Act and rules thereunder. Actions such as suspension and cancellation of licences, prosecutions in the court of law are taken against the erring firms by the State Licensing Authorities,” said the minister. The prices of drugs are regulated as per the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order 2013 (DPCO, 2013).