Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a campaign–public welfare scheme of Government of India. It was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses through special kendras known as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra (PMBJK).

The scheme's centres have been set up to provide generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent to more expensive branded drugs in both quality and efficacy. The Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India (BPPI) has been established under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of India, with the support of all the CPSUs for co-ordinating procurement, supply and marketing of generic drugs through the centres.

The scheme was initially launched by the government in 2008; and relaunched by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi in 2015. 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 ' (PMJAY). In November 2016, to give further impetus to the scheme, it was again renamed as "Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana" (PMBJP).

Suvidha Sanitary Napkins
In 2018, the "Janaushadhi Suvidha Oxy-Biodegradable Sanitary Napkin" was launched. They are available for sale at ₹1 at all PMBJP Kendras across the country. To date, 19 crore napkins have been sold.

Benefits
The Jan Aushadhi initiative makes quality drugs available at affordable prices through dedicated stores. These stores sell sell generic medicines, available at lower prices, but equivalent to their branded counterparts in quality and efficacy. However, poor procurement procedures have led to many drugs being unavailable at multiple stores. Some comparative prices (as of September 2013) are:

Salient Features
The Scheme is operated by both government agencies and private entrepreneurs.

1. The incentive provided to the Kendra owners has been enhanced from existing ₹2.50 lakh to up to ₹5.00 lakh to be given at 15% of monthly purchases made, subject to a ceiling of ₹15,000/- per month.

2. One-time incentive of ₹2.00 lakh is to be provided for furniture,fixtures, computers and printers to the PMBJP Kendras opened in North-Eastern states, Himalayan areas, island territories and backward areas mentioned as aspirational district by NITI Aayog or opened by women entrepreneur, disabled people, SCs, STs, and ex-servicemen.

3. Prices of the Jan Aushadhi medicines are 50-90% less than that of branded medicines prices in the open market.

4. Medicines are procured only from World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified suppliers to ensure the quality of the products.

5. Each batch of drugs is tested at laboratories accredited by 'National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)'.

6. Jan Aushadhi Store (JAS) can be opened by State Governments, reputed NGOs, trusts, private hospitals, charitable institutions, doctors, unemployed pharmacists or individual entrepreneurs by submitting an application. The applicants have to employ one B Pharma/D Pharma degree holder as the pharmacist in their proposed store.

7. Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India (BPPSU) 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.

8. Over-the-counter (OTC) products can not be purchased by any individual without a prescription. A prescription from a registered medical practitioner is necessary for the purchase of scheduled drugs.

9. All therapeutic medicines and surgicals are made available at Jan Aushadhi Stores.