JAN AUSHADHI KENDRA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Schemes)

Context: The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the 10,000th Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS, Deoghar, marking a significant milestone in the nation's healthcare accessibility initiative.

Jan Aushadhi Kendra

• Establishment of PMBKs: Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, PMBKs were established, with the initiative launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in November 2008.
• Objective: To provide quality medicines at affordable prices for all, with a particular focus on reducing out-of-pocket expenses in healthcare, especially for the economically disadvantaged.
• Generic Drugs at Lower Prices: PMBKs offer generic drugs that are available at lower prices while maintaining an equivalent standard in terms of quality and efficacy compared to more expensive branded drugs.
• Availability of Medicines: All therapeutic medicines are made accessible through Jan Aushadhi Stores, ensuring a wide range of medicines for various medical needs.
• Target: Jan Aushadhi Kendras to 10,000 by March 2024.

Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

• Launched by: the Department of Pharmaceuticals in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings.
• Affordable Medicines: Provides generic medicines at significantly reduced prices.
• Objective: To make generic medicines available to the public at significantly lower prices compared to expensive branded medicines in the open market.