Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

✦Key Features

• Establishment of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) across the country.
• Availability of a wide range of medicines and surgicals at significantly lower prices (50-90% less than branded medicines).
• Ensuring quality of medicines through testing at NABL accredited laboratories.
• Promotion of generic medicines to reduce healthcare costs and increase accessibility.
• Provision of incentives for opening PMBJKs, including financial assistance and trade margins.
• Operated by Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

✓Eligibility Criteria

• Any individual or patient requiring medicines.
• Pharmacists, doctors, NGOs, charitable organizations, and individuals for opening a PMBJK.
• State Governments and other government agencies for establishing Kendras.

★Benefits

• Significant reduction in healthcare expenditure for patients, especially the poor.
• Increased access to essential medicines, particularly in rural and remote areas.
• Improved public health outcomes due to consistent medication adherence.
• Promotion of entrepreneurship and employment opportunities through PMBJKs.

▶Application Process

• Locate the nearest Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK).
• Present a valid prescription (if required) or select over-the-counter medicines.
• Purchase the required generic medicines at affordable prices.
• For opening a Kendra: application submission to BPPI with required documents and eligibility criteria.

₹ Budget Allocation

Significant and continually increasing allocation to expand reach, product basket, and promotional activities, managed by the Department of Pharmaceuticals.

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): 100% Central Sector Scheme; Grants for setting up stores (up to INR 5 Lakh).

Historical Context

Originally launched in 2008 as Jan Aushadhi Scheme; revamped and renamed PMBJP in 2015-16 to provide more impetus.