What is Jan Aushadhi Scheme?

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a key initiative by the Indian government aimed at providing affordable, high-quality medicines to citizens. Through this program, medicines are made available at significantly reduced prices—often between 50% to 90% cheaper than their branded equivalents. This initiative is designed to make essential healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Expansion Plans for PMBJP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans to significantly expand the reach of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which are the retail outlets that sell these affordable medicines. The plan is to increase the number of these Kendras from 10,000 to 25,000 over the next three years. Currently, there are already over 13,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras operating across India, making affordable medicines available to a larger population.

How are Janaushadhi Medicines Manufactured?

India has about 10,000 manufacturing units that are certified by WHO-GMP (World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices). These units are responsible for producing Janaushadhi medicines, ensuring they meet high-quality standards. After production, the medicines are sent to a central warehouse where they undergo strict quality assurance processes before being distributed.

Quality Assurance Process

To ensure that the medicines distributed through the PMBJP program are of high quality, they undergo a rigorous quality assurance process. Once the medicines arrive at the Janaushadhi warehouse, they are anonymously retested at NABL-accredited laboratories (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories). This retesting ensures that only high-quality medicines are distributed to the public.

How Does the Distribution Network Work?

The central warehouse in Gurugram, along with additional facilities in Guwahati, Chennai, Bangalore, and Surat, serves as the key distribution point for Janaushadhi medicines. From these warehouses, the medicines are dispatched to over 13,000 Janaushadhi Kendras across the country. This extensive distribution network ensures that affordable medicines are accessible to people in various regions of India.

Cost Benefits of the PMBJP Programme

The PMBJP programme is designed to reduce the financial burden on citizens by providing them with affordable medication options. By offering medicines at significantly lower prices, the program makes healthcare more accessible to a broader population, especially those who may otherwise struggle to afford necessary treatments.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2024

Category: Government Schemes Current Affairs