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Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna

By : Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna

March 04, 2022

Improving the affordability and ease of access to basic services such as healthcare is a priority for the Government of India. In view of this, the ‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna (PMBJP)’ was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. The objective of this Scheme is to provide generic medicines at affordable prices, sold at specially curated stores known as PMBJP Kendras. Since its launch, PMBJP has been successful in its objectives and has also generated ample employment opportunities while doing so.

Objectives of PMBJP

  • Provide affordable access to medications for all sections of the population in India
  • Create awareness about generic medications (medications that are created like the already available branded medications and have the same dosage, strength, route of administration, quality, and are safe) amongst the people, educate them about the misconception of high price=quality.
  • Create employment opportunities through PMBJP stores
  • Ensure that women can have access to menstrual healthcare

Progress so far

The number of PMBJP stores has increased significantly in recent years. Up till 2014, there were about 80 such stores, which increased to 1080 by 2016-17 and exceeded the target of 8300 such stores in 2021-22. As of 31st January 2022, there are more than 8600 such stores across the country.

While facilitating the efforts of those working on the Scheme in 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned that this Scheme is helping the poor and middle-class families save approximately INR 3600 Cr every year by lowering medical expenses. He also mentioned the employment generation opportunity of these stores, around 1000 PMBJP stores are managed by female workers, which is indeed an uplifting measure.

How are the medicines procured and made available to the masses?

The medicines administered in the PMBJP Kendras are sourced from vendors who have been certified by the World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP). Every batch is further tested in laboratories that have been accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories of India. All the medications that are sold through PMBJP Kendras have passed the Lab tests successfully to ensure the safety of people. These medications are relatively 50-90% less expensive.

Actions@75

In order to further strengthen the outcomes of this Scheme, the Government has celebrated Janaushadhi Diwas 2022 under Azadi Ka Amit Mohotsav (from 1st to 7th March). During this event, the Government has set up 75 Janaushadhi Kendras at 75 different locations in the country. The number of stores has increased to 8675 as of 31st January 2022 and this upward trend is expected to continue until budgeted medicines are available throughout the country.

The product spectrum of PMBJP has 1451 drugs and 240 surgical instruments, and nutraceuticals products such as malt-based food supplements, protein powder, sanitizer, masks, oximeters, and more have been added to the list. Three IT-enabled medical warehouses in Chennai, Guwahati and Gurugram are currently the storing facilities for PMBJP products, and 39 more distributors have been appointed to contribute to the supply of medications in the rural areas of the country.

PMBJP is gradually bridging the gap to accessible medications and also helping improve the standard of living in remote and rural areas of the country. Moving forward, more medications shall be added to the product basket of PMBJP. The vision is to open 10,500 stores by the end of March 2025.

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