Why is it in the News

PACS have been allowed by the Government to operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana of Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (GOI).

About Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras:

• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras are established as part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, initiated by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers in November 2008.

Objective:

• The primary objective is to ensure the availability of quality medicines at affordable prices for all segments of society, particularly the economically disadvantaged, thereby reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
• These Kendras offer generic drugs that are equivalent in quality and efficacy to expensive branded drugs but are available at significantly lower prices.
• All essential therapeutic medicines are stocked in Jan Aushadhi Stores, along with allied medical products commonly found in chemist shops, enhancing the viability of operating a Jan Aushadhi store.
• The Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), established under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, with the support of all Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), coordinates the procurement, supply, and marketing of generic drugs through the PMBKs.

Eligibility to Open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra:

• State Governments, reputable NGOs, trusts, private hospitals, charitable institutions, doctors, unemployed pharmacists, and individual entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for establishing a new Jan Aushadhi Kendra.
• Applicants are required to employ a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B Pharma) or Diploma in Pharmacy (D Pharma) degree holder as a pharmacist in their proposed store.