| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 2008 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Parent department | Department of Pharmaceuticals |
| Website | www.janaushadhi.gov.in |
Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) (transl. Prime minister Indian public medicine scheme) is a campaign–public welfare scheme of Government of India. It was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses through special kendras known as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra (PMBJK).
The scheme's centres have been set up to provide generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs. Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India (BPPI) has been established under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of India, with the support of all the CPSUs for co-ordinating procurement, supply and marketing of generic drugs through the centres.[1]
It has been launched by the UPA government in 2008 and later on relaunched by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, in the year 2015 . The campaign was undertaken through sale of generic medicines through exclusive outlets namely "Jan Aushadhi Medical Store" in various districts of the country. In September 2015, the 'Jan Aushadhi Scheme' (transl. Public medicine scheme) was revamped as 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana' (PMJAY). In November 2016, to give further impetus to the scheme, it was again renamed as "Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana" (PMBJP).[2]
| Year | Number of Shops | Annual Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 2008[3] | 199 | Launched |
| 2014 | 240 | 3 CR |
| 2015–16 | Re-Launched | |
| 2015–16 | 240 | 12 CR |
| 2016–17 | 960 | 33 CR |
| 2017–18 | 3193 | 140 CR |
| 2018–19 | 5056 | 315 CR |
| 2019–20 | 6306 | 433 CR |
| 2020–21 | 7557 | 665.83 CR |
| 2021–22 | 8640[4] | 893.56 CR[5] |
| 2022–23 | 9188 | 1094.84 CR[5] |
The Jan Aushadhi initiative will make available quality drugs at affordable prices through dedicated stores selling generic medicines which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs, but maximum time mostly drugs not available in stores due to the poor procurement process and after 2015 only 40–50% drugs available in central Wearhouse. Some comparative prices are: Prices as of September 2013[6]
| Name of Salt | Dosage | Pack | Jan Aushadhi Price | Market Price in ₹ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tab. Ciprofloxacin | 250 mg | 10 | 8 | 54.79 |
| Tab. Ciprofloxacin | 500 mg | 10 | 17 | 125.00 |
| Tab. Diclofenac | 100 mg | 10 | 6.12 | 60.40 |
| Tab. Cetrizine | 10 mg | 10 | 2.75 | 20.00 |
| Tab. Paracetamol | 500 mg | 10 | 3.03 | 09.40 |
| Tab Nimesulide | 100 mg | 10 | 4.10 | 39.67 |
| Cough Syrup | 110 ml | Liquid | 18 | 33.00 |
The Scheme is operated by government agencies as well as by private entrepreneurs.[7]
1. The incentive provided to the Kendra owners has been enhanced from existing Rs. 2.50 lakh to up to Rs. 5.00 lakh to be given @ 15% of monthly purchases made, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 15,000/- per month.
2. One-time incentive of Rs. 2.00 lakh is to be provided for furniture & fixtures and computer & printers to the PMBJP Kendras opened in North-Eastern States, Himalayan areas, Island territories and backward areas mentioned as aspirational district by NITI Aayog or opened by women entrepreneur, Divyang, SCs & STs and Ex-servicemen.
3. Prices of the Jan Aushadhi medicines are 50%-90% less than that of branded medicines prices in the open market.
4. Medicines are procured only from World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified suppliers for ensuring the quality of the products.
5. Each batch of drug is tested at laboratories accredited by 'National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)' for ensuring best quality.
6. Jan Aushadhi Store (JAS) can be opened by State Governments or any organisation / reputed NGOs / Trusts / Private hospitals / Charitable institutions / Doctors / Unemployed pharmacist / Individual Entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for new Jan Aushadhi stores. The applicants shall have to employ one B Pharma / D Pharma degree holder as Pharmacist in their proposed store.
7. Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India (BPPSU) has been established under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of India, with the support of all the CPSUs for co-coordinating procurement, supply and marketing of generic drugs through the Jan Aushadhi Stores.
8. Over-the-counter (OTC) products can be purchased by any individual without a prescription. A prescription from a registered medical practitioner is necessary for the purchase of scheduled drugs.
9. All therapeutic medicines and surgicals are made available at Jan Aushadhi Stores.
10. Jan Aushadi (transl. Public medicine)Store (JAS) have been opened across the country.