Syllabus
GS Paper II – Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Context
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) achieved a major milestone in October 2024, with Janaushadhi medicines worth Rs. 1,000 crore sold in the financial year 2024-25.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
Introduction
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), a groundbreaking initiative launched in 2016, revolutionized India’s healthcare landscape by making affordable, high-quality generic medicines accessible to all. This government-backed program aims to ensure that essential healthcare is within reach for every citizen, regardless of their financial status. By providing a vast range of generic alternatives at significantly lower prices, PMBJP has empowered communities and promoted healthier lives across the nation.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana: A Boon for Affordable Healthcare
- A Campaign for Affordable Medicines: Launched in 2016, the Janaushadhi Pariyojana aims to make essential healthcare accessible to all by providing high-quality medicines at affordable prices.
- Government Initiative: Under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the Department of Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with Central Pharma Undertakings, spearheaded this initiative.
- Objectives:
- Universal Access: Ensuring that all sections of the population, especially the marginalized and economically disadvantaged, have access to quality medicines.
- Promoting Generic Medicines: Creating awareness about the benefits of generic medicines and dispelling the misconception that quality is synonymous with high prices.
- Encouraging Generic Prescriptions: Encouraging healthcare professionals, particularly in government hospitals, to prescribe generic alternatives, promoting cost-effective treatment options.
- Job Creation: Generating employment opportunities by empowering individual entrepreneurs to open Janaushadhi Kendras.
- Understanding Generic Drugs: Generic drugs are marketed under non-proprietary or approved names rather than brand names. They offer the same efficacy as branded drugs at a significantly lower cost.
- Implementation and Operation: The Pharma & Medical Bureau of India (PMBI), a registered society, oversees the implementation of the Janaushadhi Pariyojana. Formerly known as the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), PMBI collaborates with both government agencies and private entrepreneurs to operate Janaushadhi Kendras across the country.
Salient Features of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
- Accessibility and Convenience: Janaushadhi Kendras (JAKs) offer a welcoming environment where individuals can easily access the medications they need.
- Incentives for Kendra Owners: Kendra owners are eligible for incentives, including a monthly reward of Rs. 5.00 lakh based on 15% of monthly purchases, subject to a maximum of Rs. 15,000/- per month.
- Special Incentives: One-time incentives of Rs. 2.00 lakh are provided for furniture, fixtures, computers, and printers to PMBJP Kendras established in North-Eastern States, Himalayan regions, Island territories, and backward areas identified as aspirational districts by NITI Aayog. These incentives are also available to Kendras opened by women entrepreneurs, Divyang individuals, SCs & STs, and Ex-servicemen.
- Affordable Prices: Medicines at Janaushadhi Kendras are priced 50%-90% lower than branded medicines in the open market, making healthcare more accessible to all.
- Quality Assurance: To ensure the quality of products, medicines are procured exclusively from suppliers certified by the World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP).
- Rigorous Quality Testing: Each batch of drugs undergoes stringent testing at laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), guaranteeing the highest quality standards.
- Access to Sanitary Napkins: Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkins were introduced in 2019, offering affordable menstrual hygiene products at just Rs. 1/ per pad in over 12,600 PMBJP Kendras across India.
- Jan Aushadhi Sugam Mobile App: Launched in 2019, the Jan Aushadhi Sugam app provides various functionalities:
- Location Finder: Easily locate nearby Janaushadhi Kendras using Google Maps.
- Medicine Search: Search for Jan Aushadhi generic medicines.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of generic and branded medicines in terms of MRP, overall savings, and more.
Significant Milestones of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
- Exponential Growth in Janaushadhi Kendras: The number of Kendras has surged from a modest 80 in 2014 to over 14,000 today, representing a remarkable increase of over 170 times in just a decade.
- Soaring Sales: Medicines worth a staggering Rs. 1,000 crore were sold by October 2024, two months ahead of the previous year’s sales figure. In September 2024 alone, a noteworthy sales figure of Rs. 200 crore was achieved.
- Rising Demand: Nearly 1 million people visit these user-friendly Kendras daily, reflecting the growing popularity and demand for affordable healthcare services.
- Future Expansion: The Janaushadhi Pariyojana plans to establish an additional 25,000 Kendras across India within the next two years, further expanding its reach and impact.
Impacts of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
- Promoting Health Equity: The Janaushadhi Pariyojana ensures that essential healthcare products are accessible, affordable, and available to all, particularly the marginalized sections of society.
- Significant Savings for Citizens: It is estimated that the initiative has saved citizens approximately Rs. 30,000 crore in the past decade alone. In the current financial year (FY 2024-25), savings have reached an impressive Rs. 5000 crore.
- Widespread Coverage: With over 14,000 Kendras, the Janaushadhi Pariyojana has achieved comprehensive coverage across all districts of India.
- Diverse Product Range: The initiative offers a comprehensive product basket, including 2047 medicines and 300 surgical devices, catering to a wide range of therapeutic needs.
- Nutrition Security: The launch of nutraceutical products like protein powder, malt-based food supplements, and glucometers has contributed to nutritional security and overall well-being.
- Job Creation: The Janaushadhi Pariyojana has emerged as a valuable source of self-employment, providing sustainable and regular income opportunities for entrepreneurs.
- Fulfilling Its Promise: The scheme has truly lived up to its tagline, “Jan Aushadhi – Seva bhi, Rozgar bhi,” delivering both healthcare services and employment opportunities.
Strengthening the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
- Capacity Building and Awareness: Organize workshops across India to educate Kendra owners, doctors, and key dignitaries about the benefits and potential of the Janaushadhi Pariyojana.
- Collaborative Approach: Foster a collaborative approach with State Governments to integrate the Janaushadhi Pariyojana into existing healthcare initiatives and promote awareness among the general public.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has emerged as a beacon of affordable healthcare in India. By providing high-quality generic medicines at significantly lower prices, the PMBJP has empowered millions of citizens to access essential healthcare without breaking the bank. The initiative’s remarkable growth, coupled with its positive impacts on health equity and economic well-being, underscores its potential to transform India’s healthcare landscape. As the PMBJP continues to expand its reach and offerings, it has the potential to further improve healthcare accessibility and affordability for all.
Reference: PIB
Related PYQ
Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. [UPSC CSE – 2021 Mains]
Practice Question
Critically analyze the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) and its impact on healthcare accessibility and affordability in India. Discuss its challenges and opportunities for future growth. [150 words]
Guidelines for Answering the Question
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the PMBJP, its objectives, and significance.
- Body:
- Discuss the key features and benefits of the PMBJP, such as affordable medicines, quality assurance, and accessibility.
- Analyze the impact of the PMBJP on healthcare accessibility and affordability, citing relevant data and examples.
- Examine the challenges faced by the PMBJP, including infrastructure, awareness, and competition.
- Discuss the opportunities for future growth, such as expanding the product range, strengthening partnerships, and improving digital initiatives.
- Conclusion: Summarize the key points and provide a balanced assessment of the PMBJP’s achievements and challenges. Offer recommendations for its future development.