Health Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

In News 

• The Prime Minister of India announced the celebration of Jan Aushadhi Diwas every year on 07th March to educate the general public about the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).

About Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).

• Origin :
  • Jan Aushadhi Scheme’ was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, Government of India in November 2008.
  • The Government revamped the ‘Jan Aushadhi Scheme’ in September 2015 as ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana’ (PMJAY)
  • To give further impetus to the scheme, it was again renamed as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). 

Implementing Agency

• Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), erstwhile Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementing agency of the PMBJP. 
  • PMBI is an independent society set up by pharma PSUs to have a focused and empowered structure to implement the Jan Aushadhi Campaign.
    • Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

 Salient Features of PMBJP

• PMBJP has been approved for continuation by State Financial Corporations (SFCs)with financial outlay of Rs. 490 crore for period 2020-2021 to 2024-2025.
  • To open 10,500 PMBJP Kendras all over the country by March 2025.
• The sales margin/earning of PMBJP Kendras is 20% of MRP (excluding taxes), as mentioned on the product.
• The incentive provided to the Kendra owners has been enhanced from earlier Rs. 2.5 Lakh to up to Rs. 5 Lakh to be given @ 15% of monthly purchases made, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 15,000/- per month, w.e.f. April 2021.
  • Special one-time grant of up to Rs. 2 Lakh for specified categories for opening PMBJP  Kendra.
• Under the Scheme, medicines are procured from World Health Organisation – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified suppliers for ensuring the quality of the products.
•  Apart from this, each batch of drug is tested at laboratories accredited by ‘National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories’ (NABL). 
  • Only after passing the quality tests, the medicines are dispatched to PMBJP Kendras. Medicines available under PMBJP are priced 50%-90% less than that of branded prices.

The Objectives of PMBJP

• To make available quality medicines, consumables and surgical items at affordable prices for all and reduce out of pocket expenditure of consumers/patients.
• To popularise generic medicines among the masses and dispel the prevalent notion that low priced generic medicines are of inferior quality or are less effective.
• To ensure easy availability of the menstrual health services (Janaushadhi ‘Suvidha’ sanitary napkins) to all women across India.
• Generate employment by engaging individual entrepreneurs in the opening of PMBJP Kendras.

Performance of PMBJP

• In the financial year 2019-20, PMBJP has achieved sales of Rs. 433.61 crores (at MRP). 
  • This has led to savings of approximately Rs. 2500 Crore of the common citizens of the country as these medicines are cheaper by 50% to 90% of average market price.
• In the financial year 2020-21, sale of Rs. 665.83 Crore was made, which led to savings of about Rs. 4000 Crore to the citizens as compared to the branded medicines.
• In the current financial year 2021-22 (till 31.01.2022), PMBI has made sales of Rs. 751.42 Crore which led to savings of approximately Rs. 4500 Crore to the citizens.
• This scheme is also providing a good source of self-employment with sustainable and regular earnings. 
• Average sales per store per month has grown to Rs 1.50 lacs (including OTC & other products) as per a survey. 
• The scheme is doing justice to its tagline “Janaushadhi – Seva Bhi, Rozgar Bhi

Source:PIB