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Introduction
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 that of branded medicine’s prices available in the open market.
- Medicines are procured only from World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified manufacturers for ensuring the quality of the products.
- Each batch of drug is tested at laboratories accredited by ‘National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories’ (NABL) for ensuring 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 entrepreneur, Ex-serviceman Divyang, SC & ST.
Transforming Healthcare: A Look at the Growth
NUMBER OF PMBJP KENDRAS OPENED
Source: https://janaushadhi.gov.in/ – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10SB9jUZ6r3v4-wv_n-u3XwcmSvEWUJqA 202
NUMBER OF MEDICINES AND SURGICAL EQUIPMENT
Source: https://janaushadhi.gov.in/ – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10SB9jUZ6r3v4-wv_n-u3XwcmSvEWUJqA 202
7 Days of Promoting Access to Quality Medicine
The 7-day Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025 celebration began with Union Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda flagging off a Rath and vehicles to promote the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. Day 2 featured Jan Arogya Mela with heritage walks and 500+ health camps for senior citizens. Day 3 focused on children’s participation and distributing nutraceutical products. Day 4 highlighted women’s involvement with sanitary pad distribution to showcase the affordability of Jan Aushadhi products. Day 5 organized pharmacist awareness seminars in 30 cities. Day 6 featured the Jan Aushadhi Mitra Volunteer Registration Campaign and Day 7 will culminate with the Jan Aushadhi Diwas Celebration.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has significantly contributed to making quality medicines accessible at affordable prices to the common masses, ensuring healthcare reaches every corner of the country. With over 15,000 Janaushadhi Kendras now operational across all districts, the scheme has not only enhanced healthcare affordability but also created a promising avenue for self-employment, offering sustainable and regular earnings. As the government continues to promote the use of generic medicines, the scheme is set to witness further growth, strengthening its role in improving public health and boosting entrepreneurship in India.
