Affordable Healthcare for All: Government's Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Making Inroads

Source: Response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1373 answered on 9th February 2024 by Shri Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers

In a bid to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable to the masses, the Government of India's ambitious Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has been making steady progress across the country. According to official figures presented in the Lok Sabha, the number of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) has witnessed a significant surge, with 9,304 Kendras already operational as of March 31, 2023.

The scheme, which aims to provide affordable and quality generic medicines, has seen a remarkable expansion over the past five financial years. In 2018-19, 1,834 new PMBJKs were opened, followed by 1,166 in 2019-20, 1,251 in 2020-21, 1,053 in 2021-22, and 694 in 2022-23, taking the cumulative tally to an impressive 9,304 Kendras nationwide.

In a testament to the scheme's success, the government has surpassed its initial target of opening 10,000 PMBJKs by March 2024, with 10,624 Kendras already operational as of January 31, 2024.

To encourage entrepreneurship and promote the scheme's reach, the government is providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs setting up PMBJKs. Under the "Normal Incentive" category, entrepreneurs running Kendras linked to the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) can receive incentives of up to Rs. 5 lakh, calculated at 15% of their monthly purchases from the PMBJP, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 15,000 per month.

Additionally, the government is offering "Additional Incentives" of Rs. 2 lakh to entrepreneurs opening PMBJKs in aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog, Himalayan regions, island territories, and the North-Eastern states. This incentive includes reimbursements for furniture, fixtures, computers, internet connectivity, printers, and scanners.

Furthermore, to promote inclusivity and empower marginalized sections of society, the government provides a "Special Incentive" of Rs. 2 lakh to women entrepreneurs, ex-servicemen, persons with disabilities, and entrepreneurs from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. This incentive also includes reimbursements for furniture, fixtures, computers, and other essential equipment.

The impact of the PMBJP on the common people of India has been significant. The medicines sold through PMBJKs are priced at least 50% lower than branded alternatives, and in some cases, the savings can reach up to 80-90%. The product basket currently comprises 1,965 medicines and 293 surgical/consumable items, ensuring a wide range of affordable healthcare options.

Moreover, the government's initiative to launch the Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins at just Rs. 1 per pad has been a game-changer in promoting menstrual hygiene and accessibility. As of January 31, 2024, an impressive 50.72 crore Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Pads have been sold through the network of over 10,500 PMBJKs across the country.

On average, 10-12 lakh people visit PMBJKs daily, availing substantial benefits and collectively saving an estimated Rs. 28,000 crore over the past nine years compared to branded medicines. Additionally, the scheme has provided direct and sustainable employment opportunities to more than 21,000 educated youth, enabling them to earn a regular income while contributing to the nation's healthcare ecosystem.

As the PMBJP continues to expand its reach, it serves as a shining example of the government's commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for all, leaving no one behind in the pursuit of a healthier nation.