Why the scheme is in the news?
Recently, the Government of India has decided to allow 2000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country.
India is in discussions with several countries, including Ecuador, Panama, and Nigeria, to offer affordable generic medicines to their populations, replicating the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme.
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About Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras:
- The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, launched Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana in November 2008, setting up these initiatives.
- Objective: To provide quality medicines at affordable prices for all, particularly the lower income strata, to reduce out-of-pocket expenses in healthcare.
- These Jan Aushadhi Kendras provide generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy to expensive branded drugs.
- Jan Aushadhi stores also sell allied medical products commonly sold in chemist shops to improve the viability of running the Jan Aushadhi store.
- The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of India, with the support of all the CPSUs, has established the Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) to coordinate the procurement, supply, and marketing of generic drugs through the PMBKs.
- The incentive amount of Rs.5 lakh will be provided to set up Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra.
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Initiatives of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Scheme: –
Janaushadhi Kendra
- Janaushadhi Kendras provide access to high-quality generic medications
- Supported by the Bureau of Pharma PSUs in India (BPPI)
- The government aims to have 10,500 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) by March 2025
- PMBJP offers 240 surgical equipment and 1451 prescription medications
- New additions include nutraceutical items, protein supplements, masks, sanitizers, glucometers, and oximeters.
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Janaushadhi Diwas
The day is observed annually to promote the usage of generic medicines and also conducts nationwide health checkups for the public.
Jana Aushadhi Sugam Application
The e-Aushadhi app, developed by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers Department of Pharmaceuticals, was launched in August 2019. The app assists in finding nearby Jan Aushadhi Kendras and comparing prices of generic and branded medicines. Over 11.74 lakh users are currently utilizing the application.
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Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra
