Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, is a scheme that provides generic medicines at discounted rates. Jan Aushadhi Kendras are retail stores set up under PMBJP to sell these generic medicines. 651 districts across India can now apply online to open new Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Benefits of the Scheme
Increased access to affordable medicines: Rural residents will have easier access to essential medicines at significantly lower prices compared to branded medicines. PMBJP medicines are reportedly 50-90% cheaper.
Boost for PACS income and job creation: PACS can potentially increase their income by operating Jan Aushadhi Kendras. This could also lead to new employment opportunities in rural areas.
Data Insights
Target: The government aims to open 2,000 PMBJKs in PACS by December 2024. Out of this, 1,000 Kendras are targeted to be opened by August 2024.
Existing Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Over 9,400 PMBJKs are already functional across the country.
Product Availability: Jan Aushadhi Kendras offer over 1,800 types of medicines and 285 medical devices.
Eligibility for opening PMBJKs: Individuals with D.Pharma/B.Pharma qualifications or organizations with appointed D.Pharma/B.Pharma degree holders can apply.
Financial incentives: The government provides a Rs. 5 lakh incentive for Jan Aushadhi Kendras (capped at Rs. 15,000 per month). Special categories and areas can avail an additional one-time incentive of Rs. 2 lakh for IT and infrastructure expenditure.
PMBJP’s Overall Growth
The PMBJP scheme has witnessed significant growth in recent years.
Sales: PMBJP achieved a sales milestone of Rs. 1,000 crore this year, indicating increased public uptake of generic medicines.
Growth in Kendras: The number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras has grown over 100 times since 2014, with nearly 10,000 Kendras operational now.
Future Expansion: The government aims to expand the network to 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by March 2026.
This initiative to open Jan Aushadhi Kendras in PACS holds promise for improving access to affordable medicines in rural areas. The scheme’s continued growth depends on factors like creating public awareness about generic medicines and ensuring efficient supply chains to these Kendras.
