JAN AUSHADI KENDRAS - GOVERNANCE

News: Pharma Dept approves 2,300 applications to open Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Mandaviya

 

What's in the news?

       The Department of Pharmaceuticals has approved more than 2,300 applications from Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) for opening Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the country, said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, on the efforts to expand access to these centres that sell less expensive generic drugs.

 

Key takeaways:

       Opening these Kendras through PACS “will strengthen PACS as a cooperative organisation besides expanding the reach of quality and affordable medicines in the country”.

 

Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJPK):

        It is launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

        It was launched in 2008, under the name “Jan Aushadhi Medical Store” and later on renamed as "Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana" (PMBJP).

 

Aim:

        To provide quality medicines at affordable prices to people through special Kendras known as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra.

 

Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra (PMBJPK):

        It has been set up to provide generic drugs at lesser prices that are equivalent in quality and efficacy to expensive branded drugs.

        BPPI (Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India) has been established under the Department of Pharmaceuticals for coordinating the procurement, supply and marketing of generic drugs through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra.

        Financial Support is provided by the government to eligible NGOs/Trusts/agencies/individuals to establish Jan Aushadhi stores.

        One-time financial assistance up to ₹2.50 lakh.