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  7. Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

Ministry of Chemicals and FertilizersactivehealthLaunched: 2008-11-25

About the Scheme

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.

Official Website →

✦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.

UPSC Relevance

GS Paper: GS2

Prelims Relevance8%
Mains Relevance9%

Syllabus Tags

National Health PolicyAffordable Healthcare AccessPharmaceutical Industry in IndiaDrug Price Control Order (DPCO)Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being)Social Justice and EquityPublic-Private Partnerships in Healthcare
Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi … — Govt Scheme for UPSC | Vaidra