Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana to Expand Access to Affordable Medicines
New Delhi, June 29, 2023 – The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) has received approval from the Centre to invite online applications for opening new Jan Aushadhi Kendras across 651 districts in different states and union territories. This initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), launched in 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers. The scheme aims to make quality generic medicines easily accessible and affordable for all.
9,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are operational throughout the country
Currently, more than 9,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are operational throughout the country, providing cost-effective alternatives to branded medicines. The government has set an ambitious target to increase this number to 10,000 by March 2024. The expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras will significantly improve healthcare access in rural and remote areas, ensuring that essential medications are available to those in need.
The PMBJP offers a diverse product basket, including 1,759 medicines and 280 surgical devices, covering all major therapeutic categories. This comprehensive range ensures that individuals can find the medications they require at affordable prices. The scheme not only benefits patients but also provides opportunities for self-employment with sustainable and regular earnings.
Under the PMBJP, Jan Aushadhi Kendras receive financial assistance in the form of a Rs 5 lakh incentive. Additionally, an additional one-time incentive of Rs 2 lakh is provided for IT and infrastructure expenses incurred by Kendras opened in the Northeastern states, Himalayan areas, island territories, and backward areas identified as aspirational districts by NITI Ayog. These incentives are also applicable if the Kendras are opened by women entrepreneurs, ex-servicemen, divyangs (persons with disabilities), SCs (Scheduled Castes), and STs (Scheduled Tribes).
The expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras aligns with the government’s vision to ensure affordable and quality healthcare for all citizens. By providing access to generic medicines, the PMBJP contributes to reducing healthcare costs and improving the overall well-being of the population. With the approval to open new Kendras, the government is taking a step further in realizing this vision and promoting self-employment opportunities in the healthcare sector.
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