Jan Aushadhi Diwas

In Context

• On the occasion of ‘5th Jan Aushadhi Diwas‘, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare also inaugurated ‘NaMo Day Care Centre’ and flagged off four NaMo Mobile Healthcare Units.

About

• The Department of Pharmaceuticals is celebrating Jan Aushadhi Diwas from March 1 to March 7, 2023, to create awareness about the Jan Aushadhi Scheme.
• It is observed to generate awareness about the usage of generic medicines and the benefits of Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana and its salient features and achievements.
• Jan Aushadhi Mitra’  publicize the benefits of Jan Aushadhi Kendras for betterment of the people.

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

• It  was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India in November, 2008. 
• As on 31st January, 2023, the numbers of stores have increased to 9082. 
• Under the PMBJP,743 districts out of 764 districts of the country have been covered.
• This scheme ensures easy reach of affordable medicine to the people in every nook and corner of the country. 
• The Government has set a target to increase the number of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) to 10,000 by the end of December,2023. 
• Product basket of PMBJP comprises 1,759 drugs and 280 surgical instruments. 
• Further, new medicines and nutraceuticals products like protein powder, malt-based food supplements, protein bar, immunity bar, sanitizer, masks, glucometer, oximeter, etc. have been also launched.

Source:PIB