Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
Background and Context
- In India, healthcare is costly, and a major part of the expense is due to branded medicines.
- Many patients cannot afford these medicines, leading to high out-of-pocket expenditure.
- To solve this, the government launched the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, later revamped in 2015 as PM Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY), and finally renamed as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in 2016.
The focus is simple: provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the masses.
Quick Facts
- Purpose: To make available affordable and quality generic medicines.
- Type: Central Sector Scheme (fully funded by the Centre).
- Retail Outlet: PMBJP Kendras – shops where these medicines are sold to citizens.
- Implementing Agency: Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI).
Objectives
- Expand access to generic medicines and reduce healthcare costs.
- Spread awareness that quality does not always mean high price.
- Support entrepreneurs by helping them open PMBJP Kendras, thereby creating employment.
Salient Features
(a) Product Basket
- Wide range: From Ayurvedic immunity boosters to surgical devices.
- Medicines for major therapeutic areas like:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Anti-cancer
- Anti-diabetic
- Anti-infective
- Anti-allergic, etc.
(b) Ensuring Quality
- Medicines sourced only from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers.
- Food-related items from FSSAI-approved suppliers.
- Devices with CE certification.
- All medicines tested by NABL-accredited labs.
- Regular quality checks against branded medicines.
- Strict monitoring via SAP-based inventory system.
- Blacklisting/penalties for suppliers who fail in quality or timely supply.
(c) Role of PMBI
- An independent society set up under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 by pharma PSUs.
- Manages supply chain, quality control, and coordination with Kendras.
Key Initiatives under PMBJP
- Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins
- Available at just ₹1 per pad.
- Oxo-biodegradable → promotes Clean India & Green India.
- Jan Aushadhi Sugam App
- Helps citizens locate nearby Kendras using Google Maps.
- Provides information about availability of generic medicines.
Incentives for PMBJP Kendra Owners
- Monthly Incentive:
- ₹5 lakh total pool per store.
- 15% of monthly purchases.
- Maximum ₹15,000/month (since April 2021).
- One-Time Special Grant:
- Up to ₹2 lakh for furniture & IT equipment.
- Given to priority groups:
- Women entrepreneurs
- Divyang (Persons with Disabilities)
- SC/ST owners
- Units in NITI Aayog notified areas
Why is PMBJP Important?
- Reduces financial burden of medicines on the poor.
- Breaks the myth that “cheap means low quality”.
- Creates jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Supports gender and social equity by prioritizing women, SC/ST, and Divyang owners.
- Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and affordable healthcare for all.
✅ In summary: PMBJP is not just a scheme for cheap medicines, but a multi-dimensional initiative. It ensures affordability, guarantees quality, spreads awareness, creates employment, and empowers marginalized groups. In essence, it is a key step towards universal healthcare and social justice.