Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP): An Overview

Why the scheme is in the news?

India is in discussions with several countries, including Ecuador, Panama, and Nigeria, to offer affordable generic medicines to their populations, replicating the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme.

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Ministry: – Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers

Launch Year: – The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers launched the “Jan Aushadhi Scheme” in 2008 to make generic medicines affordable to all. In 2015, it was renamed the “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Yojana” to enhance the availability of quality generic medicines at affordable prices. The program was once again renamed as the “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)” to strengthen its momentum.

Implementing Body: – The Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), previously called the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), is responsible for implementing the PMBJP. To carry out the Jan Aushadhi Campaign in a focused and empowered manner, pharmaceutical PSUs created the PMBI as an independent entity.

Objectives: –

• Reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients while improving access to quality medications, supplies, and surgical equipment.
• Increase awareness about the efficacy of generic medications among the public and disprove the notion that they are of lower quality.
• Ensure that all women in India have access to menstruation health services.
• Generate employment opportunities by involving individual business owners in the launch of PMBJP Kendras.

Salient Features: –

• Ensure access to quality medicines
• Reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on medicines
• Redefine unit cost of treatment per person
• Create awareness about generic medicines
• Involve Government, PSUs, Private Sector, NGOs, Societies, Co-operative Bodies, and other Institutions
  Create demand for generic medicines
• Improve access to better healthcare
• Low treatment cost
• Easy availability in all therapeutic categories

Initiatives of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Scheme: –

Janaushadhi Kendra

• Janaushadhi Kendras provide access to high-quality generic medications
• Supported by the Bureau of Pharma PSUs in India (BPPI)
• The government aims to have 10,500 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) by March 2025
• PMBJP offers 240 surgical equipment and 1451 prescription medications
• New additions include nutraceutical items, protein supplements, masks, sanitizers, glucometers, and oximeters.

Janaushadhi Oxo-Biodegradable Sanitary Napkins

Jan Aushadhi stores offer a significant item – biodegradable sanitary products that cost only Rs. 1. These products can be easily degraded by microorganisms without causing pollution. Considering the poor menstrual hygiene conditions in India, Jan Aushadhi stores provide sanitary napkins.

Janaushadhi Diwas

The day is observed annually to promote the usage of generic medicines and also conducts nationwide health checkups for the public.

Jana Aushadi Sugam Application

The e-Aushadhi app, developed by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers Department of Pharmaceuticals, was launched in August 2019. The app assists in finding nearby Janaushadi Kendras and comparing prices of generic and branded medicines. Over 11.74 lakh users are currently utilizing the application.

Performance of PMBJP

In the fiscal years 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22, PMBJP generated revenues of Rs. 433.61 crore, Rs. 665.83 crores, and Rs. 751.42 crore respectively. Thanks to the scheme, the common citizens have been able to save approximately Rs. 2500 crores, Rs. 4,000 crores, and Rs. 4500 crores in these respective fiscal years, with discounts ranging from 50% to 90% compared to market prices on generic drugs, supplies, and surgical equipment. In the fiscal year 2022-23, a total of 9188 shops reported sales of 1094.84 crores through the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).

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