Context:
Railways Ministry will establish Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras at railway stations across the country.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
Dimensions of the Article:
- Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras
- Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
- Eligibility to Open Jan Aushadhi Kendra
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras
- Established through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana, launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in November 2008.
- Aim: Provide affordable, quality medicines to all, especially the economically disadvantaged, to reduce healthcare expenses.
Offerings:
- Dispense generic drugs, which are cost-effective alternatives of comparable quality and effectiveness to expensive branded medications.
- Jan Aushadhi Stores offer a wide range of therapeutic medicines.
- Also supply related medical products typically found in regular pharmacies to enhance store viability.
Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI):
- Created under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, in collaboration with CPSUs (Central Public Sector Undertakings).
- Responsible for coordinating procurement, supply, and marketing of generic drugs through the PMBKs (Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras).
Eligibility to Open Jan Aushadhi Kendra:
- State Governments, reputable NGOs, trusts, private hospitals, charitable institutions, doctors, unemployed pharmacists, and individual entrepreneurs can apply.
- A Pharmacist holding a B Pharma or D Pharma degree must be employed in the proposed store.
