Every year, March 7th is celebrated as 'Jan Aushadhi Diwas' to raise awareness about the scheme and promote the use of generic medicines. Week-long events are organized across the country from March 1st to 7th to support this initiative. This year, the celebration was flagged off on March 1 to disseminate information about PMBJP in the National Capital Region (NCR). The "Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)" was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings. The initiative aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the public through dedicated outlets called Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK).
Key Activities of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
With an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) aims to make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices. Some of the activities under this initiative include:
- Raising Awareness: One of the primary goals is to educate the public about the benefits of generic medicines, emphasizing that affordability does not compromise quality. The initiative aims to dispel the misconception that higher prices indicate better quality.
- Encouraging Prescriptions of Generic Drugs: PMBJP aims to inspire healthcare professionals, particularly those in government hospitals, to prescribe generic alternatives, thereby promoting cost-effective treatment options.
- Enhancing Accessibility: The initiative seeks to provide a wide range of commonly used generic medicines across various therapeutic categories, ensuring that essential healthcare products are available to everyone, especially the marginalized.
Despite the country being one of the leading exporters of generic medicines to the world, the majority of Indians lack sufficient access to affordable medicines. Branded medicines are sold at significantly higher prices than their unbranded generic equivalents, though they are identical in their therapeutic value.
Major Initiatives under PMBJP
Suvidha Sanitary Napkins- As an important step in ensuring the health security for Indian women, Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkins were launched on 27th August 2019 to be made available at Rs.1/- per pad only. Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Napkins are being made available for sale in more than 15000 PMBJP Kendras across the country. The cumulative sales of Suvidha Napkins as on 31.01.2025 is 72 Crores.
The Jan Aushadhi SUGAM mobile application was launched the month of August 2019. The App has various user-friendly features like - to locate nearby Jan Aushadhi Kendra through Google map, search Jan Aushadhi generic medicines, compare prices of Generic v/s Branded medicines in terms of MRP, overall savings, etc.
Features of PMBJP
A unique feature of the scheme is that it is operated by government agencies as well as by private entrepreneurs.
- Prices of the Jan Aushadhi medicines are 50%-80% less than those of branded medicines available in the open market.
- Medicines are procured only from World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified manufacturers to ensure the quality of the products.
- Each batch of the drug is tested at laboratories accredited by the ‘National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories’ (NABL) to ensure the best quality.
- The incentive up to Rs. 20,000/- per month is given @ 20% of monthly purchases made and subject to the stocking mandate.
- A one-time incentive of Rs. 2.00 lakh is provided to PMBJP Kendras opened in North-Eastern States, Himalayan areas, Island territories, and backward areas mentioned as aspirational district by NITI Aayog or opened by women entrepreneurs, Ex-servicemen,n Divyang, SC & ST.
Source: pib.gov.in
