Making Quality Medicines Affordable for All

Up from 80 in 2014 to 9413 in 2023, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is estimated to have saved more than Rs. 20,000 crores for citizens in last 9 years

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all.

In the last nine years, the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras has seen an exponential rise from a mere 80 in 2014 to 9413 in 2023 (as on May 16, 2023).

Further, the product basket (drugs and surgical instruments) has increased from 300 in 2014 to 2085 in 2023.

As an important step in ensuring the health security of Indian women, these Kendras also provide sanitary pads at a nominal cost of Re.1 across the country.

In the last 9 years, PMBJP has achieved tremendous success as quality medicines are available to citizens at a cheaper cost. It has drastically cut down the out-of-the-pocket expenditure of the lower- and middle-income segments of the population. This has saved the citizens more than Rs. 20,000 crores towards the cost of medicines.

With an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) 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 nation 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 now 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 1759 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.

Medicines available under PMBJP are priced 50%-90% less than that of branded prices. During the financial year 2021-22, PMBJP has achieved sales of Rs. 893.56 crores (at MRP). This has led to savings of approximately Rs. 5360 crores of the common citizens.

In the current financial year i.e. 2022-23 till 15.02.2023, Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), the implementing agency of PMBJP has made sales of more than Rs. 1000 Crore which has further led to savings of approximately Rs. 6000 Cr. to the citizens.

At present three IT enabled warehouses of PMBJP are functional at Gurugram, Chennai, Guwahati and Surat. And 36 distributors have been appointed across the country to support the supply of medicines to remote and rural areas.

This wider acceptance of people has given PMBJP further impetus to enhance its outreach in every corner of the country.

In brief, following three points need re-emphasis:

1. As of 28.02.2023, 9182 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) are functional across the country in 36 State/UTs covering all districts of the country.

2. The price of Jan Aushadhi Medicines is cheaper by at least 50% and in some cases, by 80% to 90% of the market price of branded medicines.

3. The product basket of PMBJP comprises 1759 medicines and 280 surgical & consumables for sale through PMBJKs.