JAN AUSHADHI KENDRAS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Health)

Context: After Mauritius, now Nepal has approached India to set up Jan Aushadhi Kendras in that country, which would allow its citizens to benefit from low cost ‘Made in India’ generic medicines.

Jan Aushadhi Kendras

• Establishment: It was initially introduced in 2008 as the "Jan Aushadhi Medical Store," and rebranded in 2015 as the 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana' (PMJAY).

oIn 2016, it underwent another renaming to "Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana" (PMBJP).

• Under:  Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana 
• Launched by: Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• 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.
• BPPI Establishment: The Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India (BPPI) operates under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, managing the procurement, supply, and marketing of generic drugs through PMBJPK.
• Financial Support: Government extends financial support to eligible NGOs, Trusts, agencies, and individuals for establishing Jan Aushadhi stores.

oEligible entities can receive one-time financial assistance of up to ₹2.50 lakh to set up and operate Jan Aushadhi stores, enhancing accessibility to affordable generic medicines.