JANAUSHADHI KENDRAS

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Context: The Union Health Minister stated that as on 31st January 2023, the number of stores under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBKs) has increased to 9,082.

Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJPK)

• It is launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• The Scheme aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to people through special Kendras known as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra.
• It was launched in 2008, under the name “Jan Aushadhi Medical Store” and later on re-launched in the year 2015 as 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana' (PMJAY).
• In 2016, it was again renamed "Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana" (PMBJP).

Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra (PMBJPK)

• Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra has been set up to provide generic drugs at lesser prices that are equivalent in quality and efficacy to expensive branded drugs.
• BPPI (Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India) has been established under the Department of Pharmaceuticals for coordinating the procurement, supply and marketing of generic drugs through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra.
• Financial Support is provided by the government to eligible NGOs/Trusts/agencies/individuals to establish Jan Aushadhi stores.
  • One-time financial assistance up to ₹2.50 lakh.

Present Status

• As of 31st January 2023, the number of stores has increased to 9, 082.
• All districts of the nation have been covered.
• The product basket of PMBJP comprises over 1600 drugs and over 250 surgical instruments. Further, new medicines and nutraceutical products like protein powder, malt-based food supplements, protein bars, immunity bars, sanitisers, masks, glucometers, oximeters, etc. have been added.
• Some AYUSH products are added to the product basket of selected Kendras.
• The product basket also covers Cardiovascular, Anti-cancers, Anti-diabetics, Anti-infectives, Anti-allergic, Gastrointestinal medicines, Nutraceuticals, etc.
• 4 warehouses at Gurugram, Chennai, Guwahati and Surat were established, to strengthen the supply chain.
• Under the scheme, the general public has saved around Rs. 15,000 Crores.

Way Forward

• The scheme ensures easy reach to affordable medicine to the people in every nook and corner of the country.
• The Government has set a target to increase the number of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) to 10,000 by December 2023.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/over-9000-janaushadhi-kendras-in-country-minister/article66564330.ece