Jan Aushadhi Yojana: Objective, types of medicines to future plans, know details

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the masses, particularly the poor and disadvantaged.

Launched in 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the scheme was revamped in September 2015 as the 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana' and further renamed in November 2016 to its current title, PMBJP.

Objectives of PMBJP

Enhance Accessibility: Ensure the availability of quality generic medicines at affordable prices through dedicated outlets known as Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs).

Reduce Healthcare Expenditure: Lower out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare by providing cost-effective alternatives to branded medicines.

Promote Generic Medicines: Encourage doctors to prescribe and the public to use generic medicines, fostering a culture of affordability and trust in generics.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Provide self-employment opportunities by involving individual entrepreneurs, NGOs, and other institutions in opening and operating JAKs.

Implementation and Growth: Since its inception, PMBJP has witnessed significant expansion:

Network Expansion: From just 80 Kendras in 2014, the number has surged to over 14,000 by 2024, covering nearly all districts across India.

Product Range: The scheme offers a diverse product basket comprising 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical devices, addressing major therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, and gastrointestinal treatments.

Operational Infrastructure: To ensure efficient supply chain management, PMBJP operates five warehouses located in Gurugram, Bengaluru, Chennai, Guwahati, and Surat, supported by 36 distributors nationwide

Achievements and Impact:

Sales Milestone: In October 2024, PMBJP achieved a significant milestone by recording sales worth Rs 1,000 crore, marking a notable improvement compared to the previous year when this target was reached in December 2023.

Cost Savings: The initiative has led to substantial savings for the public, with citizens saving approximately Rs 5,000 crore by purchasing medicines from Jan Aushadhi Kendras. 

Daily Footfall: Approximately 1 million people visit these Kendras daily, underscoring the program's role in promoting equitable healthcare across India

Future Plans:

The government aims to further expand the reach of PMBJP by establishing 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country by March 2026. This expansion is expected to enhance accessibility to affordable medicines, especially in remote and rural areas, thereby strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and promoting health equity nationwide.

To say, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana has significantly contributed to making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable in India, demonstrating the government's commitment to the well-being of its citizens.