Here’s a short note on the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP):
1. Introduction:
- The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India in November 2008 in 11th 5 year plan.
- The scheme aims to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices to all, particularly the poor and disadvantaged.
2. Objectives:
- To make quality medicines, consumables, and surgical items available at affordable prices.
- To reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare.
- To popularize generic medicines and dispel the notion that low-priced generics are of inferior quality.
- To ensure easy availability of menstrual health services to all women across India.
- To generate employment by engaging individual entrepreneurs in opening Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
3. Key Features:
- Janaushadhi Kendras: Dedicated outlets providing generic medicines at affordable prices.
- As of September 30, 2024, there are 13,822 functional Janaushadhi Kendras across India.
- Product Basket: Comprises 2,047 drugs and 300 surgical items.
- Prices: Jan Aushadhi medicines are 50%-80% cheaper than branded medicines.
- Quality Assurance: Medicines are procured from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers and tested at NABL-accredited laboratories.
4. Incentives:
- Monthly Incentive: Up to ₹20,000 per month at 20% of monthly purchases, subject to stocking mandate.
- One-time Incentive: ₹2 lakh for Kendras opened in North-Eastern States, Himalayan areas, Island territories, backward areas, or by women entrepreneurs, ex-servicemen, Divyang, SC & ST.
5. Jan Aushadhi Suvidha:
- Launched on August 27, 2019, to provide oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins at ₹1 per pad.
- Available at more than 15,000 PMBJP Kendras.
- Cumulative sales of Suvidha Napkins as of January 31, 2025, is 72 crores.
6. JanAushadhi Sugam Mobile Application:
- Launched in August 2019.
- Features: Locate nearby Jan Aushadhi Kendras, search generic medicines, compare prices of generic vs. branded medicines.
7. Implementation:
- The scheme is implemented by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), a society registered under the Societies Registration Act.
- PMBI coordinates the procurement, supply, and marketing of generic drugs through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
8. Impact:
- The scheme has significantly reduced the healthcare expenditure of citizens.
- It has created awareness about the efficacy and affordability of generic medicines.
- It has generated employment opportunities and promoted entrepreneurship.
9. Academic Interest:
- The PMBJP is a significant case study in public health policy and affordable healthcare.
- It highlights the role of government initiatives in reducing healthcare costs and improving access to medicines.
- The scheme’s impact on employment and entrepreneurship can be studied in the context of economic development.
