Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana

Overview

The Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at making quality generic medicines available to people at affordable prices through dedicated Jan Aushadhi Kendras. The scheme seeks to reduce the financial burden of healthcare, create awareness about the quality of generic medicines and generate employment opportunities.

Quick Facts

• Ministry: Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
• Type: Central Sector Scheme
• Implementing Agency: Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
• Retail outlet: PMBJP Kendra
• Beneficiaries: General public

Objectives

• To increase access to quality generic medicines at affordable prices and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare.
• To create awareness that generic medicines can provide quality treatment at lower prices.
• To promote self-employment by encouraging entrepreneurs to establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

Salient Features

Evolution of the Scheme: The Jan Aushadhi Scheme was revamped in 2015 as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY) and was subsequently renamed PMBJP in 2016.

Wide Product Basket

The product basket includes surgical devices and selected Ayurvedic immunity-boosting products. The scheme also provides medicines for various therapeutic categories, including:

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Anti-cancer
• Anti-diabetic
• Anti-infective
• Anti-allergic

Implementing Agency : PMBI was established by pharmaceutical PSUs as an independent society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 to implement the scheme.

Quality Assurance under PMBJP

The scheme follows multiple mechanisms to ensure the quality, safety and reliability of medicines:

• Medicines are sourced from suppliers/manufacturers following WHO-GMP, FSSAI and CE certification requirements, as applicable.
• Testing is carried out through NABL-accredited laboratories.
• Regular quality comparisons are conducted with branded medicines.
• SAP-based inventory management and demand forecasting are used for efficient supply management.
• Vendors, suppliers or manufacturers failing to meet supply requirements may face blacklisting/debarment and penalties for delayed delivery.

Key Initiatives under PMBJP

Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins

• Provides oxodegradable sanitary napkins at ₹1 per pad.
• Aims to improve access to affordable menstrual hygiene products.
• Supports the broader objectives of women’s health and environmental sustainability.

Jan Aushadhi Sugam App

The app helps users:

• Locate the nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra.
• Search for available generic medicines.
• Use Google Maps to find nearby outlets.

Incentive Structure for PMBJP Kendra Owners: As per the current PMBJP guidelines, Kendra owners receive incentives in addition to the normal retail margin.

Retail Margin

• Kendra owners receive a 20% margin on the MRP (excluding taxes) of each medicine sold.

Normal Monthly Incentive

• An incentive of 20% of monthly purchases from PMBI, subject to a maximum of ₹20,000 per month.
• It is divided into two parts:
  • 10% based on monthly purchases — maximum ₹10,000.
  • 10% based on maintaining the required stock of 200 medicines — maximum ₹10,000.

Maximum Normal Incentive

• The normal incentive can therefore provide up to ₹20,000 per month, subject to purchase and stock-maintenance conditions.
• The current scheme structure also provides for incentives to continue until the cumulative normal incentive reaches ₹5 lakh.

One-Time Special Incentive – ₹2 Lakh

An additional ₹2 lakh one-time incentive is available for eligible new Kendras opened by:

• Women entrepreneurs
• Divyangjan
• SC/ST entrepreneurs
• Entrepreneurs opening Kendras in Aspirational Districts
• North-Eastern States, Himalayan and Island territories

·       The ₹2 lakh one-time incentive is divided into ₹1.5 lakh for furniture and fixtures and ₹50,000 for purchasing computer equipment, internet connectivity, printers, scanners and other related items.

FAQs

1. What is the main objective of PMBJP?
Ans: PMBJP aims to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices and reduce the out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare.

2. Who implements PMBJP?
Ans: The scheme is implemented by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI).

3. What is a PMBJP Kendra?
Ans: A PMBJP Kendra is a dedicated retail outlet that provides affordable generic medicines and other healthcare products to the public.

4. How does PMBJP ensure the quality of medicines?
Ans: Medicines are sourced from approved manufacturers and undergo quality testing through NABL-accredited laboratories, along with regular comparison with branded medicines.

5. What is the significance of the Jan Aushadhi Sugam App?
Ans: The Jan Aushadhi Sugam App helps users locate nearby PMBJP Kendras and search for the availability of generic medicines.

6. What is the significance of Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins?
Ans: They provide affordable sanitary napkins at ₹1 per pad, helping improve menstrual hygiene among women while using oxo-biodegradable material.