About Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
With a view to achieve the objective of making available quality generic medicines at affordable prices to all “Jan Aushadhi Scheme” was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India in November 2008 across the country. The Scheme is being implemented through the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
, under administrative control of Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India.
In 2015, Committee of Secretaries set up by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to deliberate on health-related issues had recommended that “Jan Aushadhi Kendra” should be expanded and the budget of 2015-16, announced a target of 3000 kendra. For achieving the target of 3000 kendra, scheme was revamped. A franchisee like model was adopted and an intensive media campaign in national and regional newspapers inviting individual entrepreneurs to apply for establishing and running PMBJP Kendra was undertaken. In response, the applications received were scrutinized and eligible applicants were assisted with drug license and other infrastructure facilities to open the Kendra. By December 2017, target of 3000 Kendra was achieved. As on 30.06.2022, 8742 Janaushadhi Kendra are functional across the nation.
Salient features of the scheme:
Ensure access to quality medicines for all the section of the population especially for the poor and the deprived ones.
Create awareness about generic medicines through education and publicity to counter the perception that quality is synonymous with high price only.
Generate employment by engaging individual entrepreneurs in opening of PMBJP Kendra.
About PMBI
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) has been established on the 1st of December 2008 comprising all the Pharma CPSUs under the Department of Pharmaceuticals. The Bureau will bring about effective collaboration and cooperation in furthering the working and resources of these organizations. More specifically it would:
Co-ordinate marketing of the generic drugs through the Jan Aushadhi stores.
Co-ordinate supply of medicines is the State from their own plants, other Pharma PSUs of Central & State Governments and Private Sector.
Coordinate with Hospitals in preparation of formulary.
Monitor proper running of Jan Aushadhi stores with the help of other CPSUs.
Provide medicines as per rates decided in the joint Forum/Core Committee.
Monitor activities of the Jan Aushadhi stores in the areas allocated to them
To begin with the Bureau has stared working as separate and independent unincorporated entity from its office at IDPL, Gurgaon with an independent administration, operation and accounting system for its receipts and expenses. The Central Government would suitably assist the Bureau both financially and technically till the Bureau sustains by itself through its own operations. Other Central and State Pharma PSUs would also be given the opportunity to join the Bureau. The Bureau has been registered as an independent society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 as a separate legal entity in April 2010. PMBI follows the provisions of GFR, 2005 as amended from time to time, the CVC guidelines, and instructions from the Department of Pharmaceuticals. The outlook of PMBI is to make the organization transparent through transparency in operations, and as a policy, PMBI has zero tolerance to corruption. Out procurement process is to tender through e-tendering as per GFR and CVC guidelines, amended from time to time. For opening up of Janaushadhi Kendras, PMBI does not ask for any fees. Nothing is to be paid for any other services including software installation or getting sanction for opening Janaushadhi Kendra. If there is any incident of money being asked by anyone, within or outside the PMBI organization, the same may kindly be brought to our notice, immediately.
Under the mandate, PMBI is required to coordinate with States to open stores, monitor functioning of the stores, fixing Maximum Retail Prices (including fixing common prices, in consultation with NPPA for the medicines manufactured by the CPSUs for Jan Aushadhi supply) and also suggest/approve common super stockiest to ensure a proper supply chain mechanism.
“Jan Aushadhi”, “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana” and “Jan Aushadhi Sugam” are registered trademark of PMBI only. No one can use, adapt or reproduce this name without the permission of PMBI.
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
