The Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a transformative initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the masses. Recent developments include the approval for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to operate PMBJP Kendras, expanding the reach of this scheme.
Quick Facts
- Purpose: To offer affordable, high-quality generic medicines and reduce the financial burden of healthcare on citizens.
- Type: Central Sector Scheme.
- Retail Outlet: PMBJP Kendras sell generic medicines for citizens across India.
- Implementing Agency: Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI).
Objectives
- Affordable Healthcare: Reduce out-of-pocket expenses on medicines by extending the coverage of quality generic medicines.
- Awareness Creation: Promote the benefits of generic medicines through education and publicity, breaking the misconception that high price equates to quality.
- Employment Generation: Encourage individual entrepreneurs to establish PMBJP Kendras, creating self-employment opportunities.
Salient Features
Historical Background
- The scheme was initially launched as the Jan Aushadhi Scheme in 2008.
- In 2015, it was revamped as Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY).
- In 2016, it was renamed Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
Incentives for Kendra Owners
- Financial Incentives:
- ₹5 Lakh as an incentive, disbursed at 15% of monthly purchases, capped at ₹15,000 per month (effective April 2021).
- Special Grants:
- ₹2 Lakh for furniture and IT equipment for women, Divyang, SC/ST entrepreneurs, and those in NITI Aayog-notified regions (e.g., North-Eastern states, Himalayan regions).
Product Basket
The PMBJP product catalog spans major therapeutic groups and includes:
- Cardiovascular drugs
- Anti-cancer medicines
- Anti-diabetic medicines
- Anti-infectives
- Anti-allergics
- Ayurvedic immunity boosters
- Surgical devices
Quality Assurance
- Medicines are procured exclusively from WHO-GMP, FSSAI, and CE-certified suppliers.
- Products undergo National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) certification.
- Regular quality comparisons with popular branded medicines.
- SAP-based inventory management ensures accurate demand forecasting and streamlined operations.
- Strict blacklisting and penalty mechanisms for vendors failing to meet supply and quality standards.
Key Initiatives
- Janaushadhi ‘Suvidha’ Sanitary Napkins:
- Offered at just ₹1 per pad.
- Environmentally friendly and oxo-biodegradable, aligning with the “Clean India & Green India” initiative.
- Jan Aushadhi Sugam App:
- Enables users to locate nearby PMBJP Kendras using Google Maps.
- Allows searches for generic medicines and provides their details.
Role of PMBI
The Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), established as an independent society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, is responsible for implementing PMBJP. It works closely with pharmaceutical Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to ensure effective execution.
Impact and Benefits
The PMBJP is revolutionizing India’s healthcare system by making essential medicines accessible to all, especially the economically weaker sections. With its focus on affordability, quality assurance, and employment generation, this scheme is redefining the healthcare landscape in India, making it more inclusive and patient-centric.