Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

Source: This post on Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has been created based on the article “PM Young Achievers’ Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM YASASVI)”  published in PIB on 24th October 2024.

Why in news?

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) achieved a major milestone, with Janaushadhi medicines worth Rs. 1,000 crore sold during the 2024-25 fiscal year up until October 20, 2024.

About Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

1.  PMBJP was launched in November 2016 to provide affordable, high-quality generic medicines across India.

2. Objective: Ensure access to essential healthcare without the high financial burden often associated with branded drugs.

3. Impact: Promotes health equity by offering medications at reduced prices while maintaining quality.

Key Aims and Objectives:

1. Public Awareness:

i) Educate citizens on the benefits of generic medicines, emphasizing that affordability does not compromise quality.

ii) Dispels the myth that higher prices equate to better quality.

2. Encouraging Generic Prescriptions: It inspires healthcare professionals, particularly in government hospitals to prescribe cost-effective generic alternatives.

3. Accessibility:  It expands access to generic medicines across diverse therapeutic categories. It ensure availability of essential healthcare products, especially for marginalized communities.

Achievements of PMBJP:

1. Sales Milestone: In FY 2024-25, PMBJP achieved sales worth ₹1,000 crore by October 2024, two months ahead of the previous year’s achievement. The initiative sold ₹200 crore worth of medicines in September 2024 alone, reflecting its increasing popularity.

2. Expansion of Janaushadhi Kendras (JAKs): From 80 JAKs in 2014, the number grew to over 14,000 by October 2024—an increase of over 170 times in a decade. Currently, nearly 1 million people visit JAKs daily for affordable medicines.

Commitment to Quality

1. Stringent Quality Assurance: Medicines are sourced from manufacturers adhering to WHO Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Every batch undergoes rigorous testing in NABL-accredited labs to ensure safety and efficacy.

2. Affordable Pricing: Medicines sold through PMBJP are generally 50% lower in cost, with some priced 80% to 90% cheaper than branded alternatives. This affordability plays a critical role in reducing healthcare expenses for citizens, especially for those in need.

UPSC Syllabus: Governnace