Focus: GS II: Government policies and Interventions
Why in News?
Recently, the Government of India has decided to allow 2000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country.
About Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras:
- Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras are established under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, which was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in November 2008.
- The objective of these Kendras is to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to all individuals, particularly the economically disadvantaged, in order to reduce healthcare expenses.
- Jan Aushadhi Kendras offer generic drugs that are equivalent in quality and efficacy to expensive branded drugs but are available at lower prices.
- In addition to generic medicines, Jan Aushadhi stores also sell allied medical products commonly found in chemist shops, which helps improve the viability of running the Kendra.
- The Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) has been established under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, with the support of all the Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) to coordinate the procurement, supply, and marketing of generic drugs through the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
- An incentive amount of Rs. 5 lakh is provided to set up a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra.
Who can open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra?
- State Governments, organizations, reputed NGOs, trusts, private hospitals,
- charitable institutions, doctors, unemployed pharmacists, and individual entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for opening a new Jan Aushadhi Kendra.
- Applicants are required to employ a pharmacist holding a degree in B Pharma or D Pharma in their proposed store.
