Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), the implementing agency of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), has completed the target of the opening of 8,300 Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) for the FY 2021-22 before the end of September 2021. All the country's districts have been covered under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). Effective IT-enabled logistics and supply chain systems have also introduced to ensure real-time distribution of medicines at all outlets.
The product basket of PMBJP presently comprises 1,451 drugs and 240 surgical instruments. Further, new medicines and nutraceutical products like glucometer, protein powder, malt-based food supplements, protein bar, immunity bar, etc., have been launched.
With a vision to provide quality medicines at an affordable rate to the common man, especially the poor, the Government has set a target to increase the number of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) to 10,000 by March 2024. As of 5th October 2021, the number of stores has increased to 8355. These kendras will ensure easy access to affordable medicine to the people in every nook and corner of the country.
At present, three warehouses of PMBJP are functional at Gurugram, Chennai & Guwahati, and the fourth one is under construction at Surat. Further, 37 distributors have been appointed across the country to support the supply of medicines to remote and rural areas.
“Janaushadhi Sugam”, a mobile application for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), facilitates the public by providing a digital platform at the tip of their fingers.
Under the Scheme, medicines are procured from World Health Organization–Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified suppliers to ensure the products' quality. Apart from this, each batch of the drug is tested at laboratories accredited by ‘National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories’ (NABL). Only after passing the quality tests, the medicines are dispatched to PMBJP Kendras. Medicines available under PMBJP are priced 50%-90% less than branded prices. During the financial year (2020-21), PMBJP has achieved sales of Rs. 665.83 crores (at MRP) during the last financial year. This has led to savings of approximately Rs 4,000 crores for the common citizens of the country.
In the wake of the COVID 19 crisis, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has been rendering essential services to the nation. The stores remained functional during the lockdown and maintained operations as part of their commitment to ensure the uninterrupted availability of essential medicines.
Courtesy: PIB
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