The Railways Ministry is embarking on a significant endeavor aimed at establishing Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) at railway stations throughout the country. This initiative holds the primary objective of ensuring the availability of top-notch medicines to the public, all while maintaining an affordable price point.
As part of this progressive initiative, the Ministry has meticulously curated a list of fifty railway stations that will serve as the launching grounds for the pilot project. This strategic selection aims to lay the groundwork for greater accessibility to Janaushadhi products for both passengers and visitors frequenting these bustling stations.
Objectives of Implementing PMBJKs at Railway Stations
The establishment of PMBJKs addresses the pressing healthcare requirements of passengers while fostering an improved overall experience. The primary objectives of introducing PMBJKs at railway stations are as follows:
1.Promoting Affordable Healthcare Access
The establishment of PMBJKs underscores the Government of India’s commitment to ensuring the availability of quality medicines and consumables (Janaushadhi products) to all citizens at affordable prices. By making essential healthcare products accessible within railway stations, this initiative contributes significantly to fulfilling this mission.
2.Convenient Access to Janaushadhi Products
PMBJKs are strategically positioned within the circulating areas and concourses of railway stations, ensuring that passengers and visitors can conveniently access Janaushadhi products. This convenience factor plays a crucial role in enabling individuals to prioritize their health and wellness even during their travels.
3.Fostering Wellness and Welfare
The core essence of the PMBJK initiative is to enhance wellness and welfare across all sections of society. By providing medicines at affordable prices, Indian Railways aims to contribute to the overall health and well-being of passengers, thus fostering a healthier nation.
4.Generating Entrepreneurial Avenues
The establishment of PMBJKs not only serves the health needs of passengers but also creates employment opportunities and entrepreneurial avenues. This initiative empowers individuals to take charge of their own businesses by becoming Licensees and operating these essential healthcare centers.
Setting Up PMBJKs: Implementation and Operation
These PMBJK outlets will be strategically positioned at easily accessible locations, ensuring the convenience of both incoming and outgoing passengers. The locations for PMBJKs will be identified by Railway Divisions, and the stalls will be allocated through an E-auctioning process facilitated by the Indian Railways E-Procurement System (IREPS). The design of these stalls is entrusted to the esteemed National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad.
The mechanics of this initiative involve a collaborative effort between authorized Licensees and Railway Divisions. These Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras will not only be set up but also efficiently operated at carefully identified locations within railway stations.
Revolutionizing Healthcare Accessibility
The Railways Ministry’s groundbreaking move to establish Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras at railway stations heralds a new era of accessible and affordable healthcare solutions. Beyond its core mission of dispensing quality medicines, this initiative envisions a holistic transformation that encompasses enhanced accessibility, economic empowerment, and entrepreneurial growth.