Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana is a campaign launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses through special kendras known as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra. Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra have been set up to provide generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs. BPPI has been established under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of India, with the support of all the CPSUs for co-coordinating procurement, supply and marketing of generic drugs through Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra.
It has been launched by the UPA government in 2008 and later on rechristened by Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, in the year 2015 for the noble cause – Quality Medicines at Affordable Prices for All. The campaign was undertaken through sale of generic medicines through exclusive outlets namely "Jan Aushadhi Medical Store"in various districts of the country. In September 2015, the 'Jan Aushadhi Scheme' was revamped as 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana'. In November 2016, to give further impetus to the scheme, it was again renamed as "Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana".
| Sr.No | Item | 2013–14 | 2014–15 | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | Total |
| 1 | Opening of New JASs | 7.50 | 11.25 | 15 | 11.25 | 45.00 |
| 2 | Working capital | 7.49 | 16.50 | 24.51 | 16.50 | 65.00 |
| 3 | IT system and Capacity building | 5.31 | 5.46 | 5.50 | 4.25 | 20.52 |
| 4 | Media campaign | 3.50 | 3.50 | 3.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| 5 | Administrative expenses | 1.20 | 1.50 | 1.80 | 1.80 | 6.30 |
| Total | 25.00 | 38.21 | 49.81 | 35.80 | 148.82 | |
Benefits
The Jan Aushadhi initiative will make available quality drugs at affordable prices through dedicated stores selling generic medicines which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs. Some comparative prices are: Prices in Rs. as of| Name of Salt | Dosage | Pack | Jan Aushadhi Price | Market Price |
| Tab. Ciprofloxacin | 250 mg | 10 | 8 | 54.79 |
| Tab. Ciprofloxacin | 500 mg | 10 | 17 | 125.00 |
| Tab. Diclofenac | 100 mg | 10 | 6.12 | 60.40 |
| Tab. Cetrizine | 10 mg | 10 | 2.75 | 20.00 |
| Tab. Paracetamol | 500 mg | 10 | 3.03 | 09.40 |
| Tab Nimesulide | 100 mg | 10 | 4.10 | 39.67 |
| Cough Syrup | 110ml | Liquid | 18 | 33.00 |
About Jan Aushadhi Store (JAS)
- JAS have been opened across the country.
- The normal working hours of JAS are 8 Am to 8 pm.
- All therapeutic medicines are made available from Jan Aushadhi Stores.
- In addition to medicines and surgical items supplied by BPPI, Jan Aushadhi stores also sell allied medical products commonly sold in chemist shops so as to improve the viability of running the Jan Aushadhi store.
- OTC products can be purchased by any individual without a prescription. A prescription from a registered medical practitioner is necessary for purchase of schedule drugs.
- BPPI has been established under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of India, with the support of all the CPSUs for co-coordinating procurement, supply and marketing of generic drugs through the Jan Aushadhi Stores.
- The quality, safety and efficacy of medicines are ensured by getting each batch of medicines procured from CPSUs as well as private suppliers tested from NABL approved laboratories and conforming to the required standards before the same are supplied to Super stockists / Jan Aushadhi Stores from the Warehouse of BPPI.
Financial support available for Jan Aushadhi Store (JAS) store owner
The following financial support is available:NGOs/agencies/individuals establishing Jan Aushadhi stores in Government hospital premises where space is provided free of cost by Government to operating agency:
BPPI will provide one time financial assistance up to Rs. 2.50 lakh as per details given below
- Rs. 1 lakh reimbursement of furniture and fixtures.
- Rs. 1 lakh by way of free medicines in the beginning.
- Rs. 0.50 lakh as reimbursement for computer, internet, printer, scanner, etc.
- 20% trade margin shall be included in MRP for retailers and 10% for distributors.
- Jan Aushadhi stores and Distributors will be allowed 2% of total sales or actual loss, whichever is lower, as compensation against expiry of medicines. Expired goods need not be returned to BPPI. Stocks expiring at the C&F level will entirely be the loss of BPPI.
- Credit facility will be given to all Jan Aushadhi stores for 30 days against postdated cheques. Distributors will also get credit of 60 days against post dated cheques. C&F agencies will have to deposit a security amount depending upon the business.
- Financial support of 250,000. This will be given @ 15% of monthly sales subject to a ceiling of Rs 10,000/ per month up to total limit of 150,000. In NE states, and naxal affected areas, tribal areas, the rate of incentive will be 15% and subject to monthly ceiling of Rs. 15,000. up to total limit of 250,000.
- The Applicants belonging to weaker sections like SC/ST/Differently-abled may be provided medicines worth Rs. 50,000/ – in advance within the incentive of Rs. 250,000 which will be provided in the form of 15% of monthly sales subject to a ceiling of Rs. 10,000/ – per month up to a total limit of Rs. 250,000.
- 20% trade margin shall be included in MRP for retailers and 10% for distributors.
- Jan Aushadhi stores and Distributors will be allowed 2% of total sales or actual loss, whichever is lower, as compensation against expiry of medicines. Expired goods need not be returned to BPPI. Stocks expiring at the C&F level will entirely be the loss of BPPI.
- Credit facility will be given to all Jan Aushadhi stores for 30 days against postdated cheques. Distributors will also get credit of 60 days against post dated cheques. C&F agencies will have to deposit a security amount depending upon the business.
Criticism