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A flagship scheme by the Government of India aimed at making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, especially the poor and disadvantaged, through exclusive retail outlets called 'Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs)'.
Target Beneficiaries: 14 crore citizens (all Indians, especially poor and economically weaker sections) accessing quality generic medicines at 50-90% lower prices through 12,616 PMBJP Kendras with special focus on women (35% shops), SC/ST, disabled, and ex-servicemen
Implementing Agency: Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
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).
GS Paper: GS2
Syllabus Tags
Originally launched in 2008 as Jan Aushadhi Scheme; revamped and renamed PMBJP in 2015-16 to provide more impetus.
Metric
~INR 5,000 Crore
Source: PMBI
Metric
10,624
Source: PIB
PMBJP is a disruptive healthcare intervention that has effectively challenged the 'branded-generic' dominance in the Indian pharmaceutical market. By providing medicines at 50% to 90% cheaper rates than branded counterparts, it has directly reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE). The scheme's success lies in the 'Janaushadhi Sugam' app and the expansion of the product basket to include surgical items and Suvidha sanitary napkins. However, supply chain bottlenecks and the 'perception of low quality' regarding generic drugs remain the primary hurdles. The transition from BPPI to PMBI signifies a more professional approach to managing the massive retail network.
Analyze the role of Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in achieving the goals of the National Health Policy 2017.
PMBJP is a crucial point for GS2 questions on 'Affordable Healthcare' and 'Pharma Sector Reforms'. Mention the 'Triple Win': Lower costs for patients, business opportunities for entrepreneurs, and reduced subsidy burden on the government.