The Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) recently celebrated the 3rd Janaushadhi Diwas on 7th March 2021. This commemoration day is aimed at raising awareness about the availability and benefits of quality generic medicines which are sold at affordable prices. The theme of this year’s Janaushadhi Diwas was “Seva Bhi – Rozgar bhi”. A week-long celebration, from 1st-7th March 2021, took place all over the country. During these celebrations, the Prime Minister inaugurated the 7,500th Janaushadhi Kendra at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong.
About Janaushadhi Kendras
Janaushadhi Kendras, supported by BPPI, are crucial components of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. These centers ensure the availability of quality generic medicines to everyone in need. Today, more than 7400 such stores operate across all 734 districts of India. Doctors, pharmacists, entrepreneurs, Self Help Groups (SHGs), NGOs, charitable societies, etc. can establish these Kendras at any suitable location or even outside hospital premises. The government provides grants up to Rs. 2.5 lakhs for their setting up.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
Initiated by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in 2008 as the Jan Aushadhi Campaign, PMBJP underwent a revamp in 2015-16. The Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), working under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, is the executing agency for this initiative. BPPI has also developed the Janaushadhi Sugam Application to facilitate the program further.
Features and Benefits of PMBJP
Under PMBJP, stores have been established to provide generic drugs that are inexpensive but have the same quality and efficacy as costly branded drugs. The program aims to extend the reach of quality generic medicines to alleviate out-of-pocket expenses on medicines. It also seeks to redefine the per person unit cost of treatment. A medicine under PMBJP is priced based on the principle of being at a maximum of 50% of the average price of the top three branded medicines. Therefore, Janaushadhi Medicines are at least 50% cheaper and sometimes even 90% cheaper than the market price of branded medicines.
Performance Analysis of PMBJP
In the current financial year, 2020-21, sales through the PMBJP has already touched Rs. 593.84 crores. This massive turnover has resulted in a saving of about Rs. 3600 crores for the common people of India. Furthermore, the scheme is providing a stable source of self-employment, leading to consistent earnings.