More than 9,000 stores covering 743 out of 766 districts across the country under PMBJP

The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in November 2008, with an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices. In December 2017, the government achieved the initial target of opening 3,000 Kendra, followed by opening 6,000 outlets in March 2020, the number of Kendras has increased to 9,000 from 8,610 in the last financial year. These 9,000 outlets cover 743 out of 766 districts across the country. Additionally, the government has also set a target to increase the number to 10,000 outlets under PMBJP by March 2024.

The product basket of PMBJP covers 1,759 medicines and 280 surgical devices, which comprises all major therapeutic groups like anti-cancers, cardiovascular, anti-allergic, anti-diabetics, etc. Various nutraceutical products have also been added like protein powder, AYUSH products like ayuraksha kit, immunity boosters, etc. Medicines available under PMBJP are priced 50%-90% less than branded medicines. Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins are sold at Rs. 1/- per pad through these 9,000 PMBJP kendra across the country. PMBJP has made sales of US$ 91.7 million (Rs. 758.69 crores) as of November 30, 2022, in the FY22-23, which led to savings of around US$ 543 million (Rs. 4,500 crores) to the citizens.

Under this scheme, an incentive of US$ 6,000 (Rs. 5 lakhs) is provided to the Janaushadhi Kendras as financial assistance and a one-time additional incentive of US$ 2,400 (Rs. 2 lakhs) is being provided to Janaushadhi Kendras being opened in the north-eastern states, backward areas, himalayan areas, and island territories.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.