Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras at railway stations
Context:
The Ministry of Railways intends to set up Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras at railway stations throughout the nation.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and intervention)
Objectives:
Indian Railways has maintained a steadfast commitment to enhancing the infrastructure and services across its stations. The rationale behind establishing Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) at railway stations encompasses the following key objectives:
- Facilitate the advancement of the Government of India’s mission to ensure the availability of quality medicines and essential consumables, known as Janaushadhi products, to all segments of the population at a reasonable and accessible cost.
- Facilitate the convenient access of Janaushadhi products to passengers and visitors frequenting railway stations, thereby contributing to the ease of availability for these essential items.
- Elevate the standards of health and well-being across diverse sections of society by rendering medicines accessible at prices that align with affordability, thereby promoting the overall welfare of individuals.
- Forge new avenues for employment and entrepreneurial ventures by paving the way for the establishment of PMBJKs, offering individuals the chance to partake in this initiative and contribute to its success.
What is the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)?
- The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is an initiative introduced by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in 2008 under the name of the Jan Aushadhi Campaign.
- Subsequently, in the year 2015-16, the campaign underwent a reformation and was rebranded as the PMBJP.
- The Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the designated execution agency entrusted with the implementation of PMBJP, operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers.
- A noteworthy development within this framework is the Janaushadhi Sugam Application, crafted by the BPPI.
- The pricing strategy for medicines under this initiative is founded on the principle of capping the cost at a maximum of 50% of the average price of the top three branded counterparts.
- As a result, the prices of medicines offered through the Jan Aushadhi Medicines program are appreciably lower, ranging from a minimum of 50% to sometimes even 80% to 90% less than the prevailing market prices of branded medicines.
Source: PIB
