Overview
The Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a campaign launched by the Government of India to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the general public. Medicines under the scheme are sold through dedicated retail outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras, which stock unbranded generic equivalents of commonly prescribed drugs at prices significantly lower than branded counterparts.
Key facts
| Scheme name | Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) |
|---|---|
| Sector | Pharmaceuticals, public health |
| Type | Central government scheme |
| Administering ministry | Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Department of Pharmaceuticals |
| Implementing agency | Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), formerly Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) |
| Retail outlets | Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras |
| Country | India |
Background
Generic medicines contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredients as branded drugs but are typically sold under their chemical or non-proprietary names. In India, where a large share of household out-of-pocket expenditure is spent on medicines, the wide price gap between branded and generic equivalents has long been identified as a barrier to affordable healthcare. The Janaushadhi initiative was conceived as a public-sector intervention to address this gap by procuring quality-tested generics and making them available through a dedicated retail network.
The scheme was originally launched in 2008 as the Jan Aushadhi Campaign by the Department of Pharmaceuticals. It was relaunched and expanded in its current form as the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, with renewed targets for opening Janaushadhi Kendras across districts in India.
Implementation
The scheme is implemented by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), a society set up under the Department of Pharmaceuticals. PMBI is responsible for:
- Procurement of generic medicines, surgical items and consumables from approved manufacturers.
- Quality testing of supplies through laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
- Maintenance of supply chains, warehousing and distribution to Janaushadhi Kendras.
- Granting of licences and operational support to Kendra owners.
Janaushadhi Kendras
Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras are retail outlets that exclusively sell medicines and related products procured under the scheme. Kendras can be opened by individual entrepreneurs, pharmacists, doctors, registered medical practitioners, hospitals, NGOs, charitable institutions, self-help groups and state government nominated agencies, subject to eligibility criteria. Operators receive a margin on sales along with incentives intended to encourage opening of outlets in remote and under-served areas.
Product range
The product basket spans multiple therapeutic categories, including cardiovascular, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, anti-cancer, gastrointestinal and analgesic medicines, along with surgical and consumable items. The scheme also markets sanitary napkins under the brand Jan Aushadhi Suvidha, sold at a subsidised price to promote menstrual hygiene.
Timeline
- 2008 – The Jan Aushadhi Campaign is launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, with the first Jan Aushadhi store opened in Punjab.
- 2015 – The scheme is relaunched and rebranded as the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, with expanded targets for opening Kendras.
- 2016 – The Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is reconstituted to oversee implementation.
- 7 March – Observed annually as Janaushadhi Diwas to promote awareness of generic medicines and the scheme.
Significance
The scheme is a major component of the Government of India's strategy to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure, complementing other initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and the price control mechanism administered by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority. By promoting prescription and consumption of unbranded generics, PMBJP also seeks to influence prescribing practices among medical practitioners and to strengthen the domestic generic pharmaceutical industry.
Related topics
- Department of Pharmaceuticals
- Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
- National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority
- Ayushman Bharat
- Generic drug
- Healthcare in India
- Pharmaceutical industry in India
References
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India – official scheme documentation.
- Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) – implementation and operational guidelines.
- Wikidata entry: Q39058281.