PRADHAN MANTRI BHARATIYA JANAUSHADI PARIYOJANA - GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

News: Govt hardsells Janaushadhi scheme to foreign nations

 

What's in the news?

       Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said Janaushadhi Kendras have made healthcare affordable by ensuring availability of quality medicines at 50-80% less than market prices.

 

Key takeaways:

       He highlighted the benefits of the Janaushadhi scheme to representatives of various countries and proposed that the initiative can be replicated in their own regions.

       The sales volume and number of stores have increased by over 100 times in the last eight years, with 1.2 million people visiting Janaushadhi outlets each day on an average. 

       Janaushadhi Kendras have saved around Rs 20,000 crore out-of-pocket expenditure of beneficiaries in the past eight years.

 

PMJYB:

       Introduced by the Department of Pharmaceuticals within the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in November 2008.

       Redesigned as the “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Yojana” in 2015.

 

Goal

       Making generic medications accessible to everyone at reasonable prices.

 

Implementing body:

       Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

 

Objectives:

       Reducing patient's out-of-pocket expenses.

       To spread awareness about generic medications.

       Create jobs through PMBJP Kendras.

 

Implementation:

       Scheme mandates that Indian State Governments provide space within government hospital facilities.

       The establishment and furnishing costs are covered by a one-time contribution from the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) of Rs. 2.50 lakhs.

       May be opened by any charitable society, non-profit organisation, self-help group.

 

Special initiatives:

1. Januaushadhi Kendra:

       The places where everyone can access high-quality generic medications.

2. Jan Aushadi Oxo – Biodegradable Sanitary Napkins:

       These may readily be degraded by microorganisms without generating pollution for just Rs.1.

3. Janaushadhi Diwas:

       To raise awareness of the use of generic medications.

4. Jana Aushadi Sugam Application:

       e- aushadhi app

       Developed by the Development of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and was launched in August 2019.

       To locate nearby Janaushadi Kendras and compare prices of generic and branded medicines.