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Nutraceuticals

15th March, 2022 Health

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Context: The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras have added nutraceuticals products in their product basket.

 

Details:

  • The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras have added nutraceuticals products, including protein powder and bar, malt-based food supplements and immunity bar for its customers.

 

About Nutraceuticals:

  • Nutraceuticals are products, which are used as food, supplementary nutrition and also as medicine.
  • A nutraceuticals product may be defined as a substance, which has physiological benefit or provides protection against chronic disease.
  • It may be used to improve health, delay the aging process, prevent chronic diseases, increase life expectancy, or support the structure or function of the body.
  • Nutraceuticals have received considerable interest due to potential nutritional, safety and therapeutic effects.

 

About Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJPK):

  • It is a Campaign 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 relaunched in the year 2015 as 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana' (PMJAY).
  • In 2016, it was again renamed as "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 but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs.
  • Aimed at providing accessible, standardized and affordable generic medicines
  • BPPI (Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India) has been established under the Department of Pharmaceuticals for coordinating procurement, supply and marketing of generic drugs through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra.
  • Financial Support 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:

  • Currently, 8,675 PMBJP Kendras function in districts across the country with three IT-enabled warehouses in Gurugram, Chennai and Guwahati and another one ready to start operations in Surat.
    • The government has set a target to increase their number to 10,500 by the end of March 2025, along with six warehouses.
  • All districts of the nation have been covered.
  • Product basket of PMBJP comprises over 1400 drugs surgical instruments. Further, new medicines and nutraceuticals products like protein powder, malt-based food supplements, protein bar, immunity bar, sanitizer, masks, glucometer, oximeter, etc. have been added.

 

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