New Delhi, Sept 22: One of the major objectives of Government of India is to ensure availability of quality medicines at affordable prices for all, especially the poor and the disadvantaged. To achieve the aforesaid objective, the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers has been taking several regulatory and fiscal measures from time to time.
A countrywide campaign, for ensuring availability of generic medicines at affordable prices for all, under the project title “Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY)” was initiated by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in association with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings. It envisages key initiative of opening of dedicated outlets Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMJAK) where high quality generic medicines are sold at low prices. Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is implementing the scheme.
As on 20.09.2016, 437 Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras spread over 26 States/UTs are operational across the country. The Government is committed to open 3000 PMJAK by March 2017 across India. Agreements have been signed with many national NGOs/Trusts/Societies like CSC, PCI, CNRI, Shree Tapovan vikas Trust, Indian Red Cross Society, Lions Club, CISSIL, CMAI, IMA, Vignan Bharathi, Bharat Sevak Samaj etc. for setting up of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras in different States. State-wise list of PMJAKs is given in Annexure.
Discussions are in progress with State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam for implementation of the PMJAY by opening of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Govt. Hospitals.
At present, Central Warehouse (CWH) of BPPI has around 416 medicines and 122 surgical & consumables for sale. BPPI is in process to augment the basket of products. BPPI has established a central warehouse at IDPL Complex, Gurgaon to store adequate stock of medicines. Management of CWH has been entrusted to a professional agency selected and appointed through an open tendering process.3 C&F agents (Punjab, Odisha & Jharkhand) and 36 Distributors have been appointed in different States to strengthen our supply chain.
For quality assurance purposes, each batch of the procured medicines is sent to NABL accredited Laboratories for analysis to ensure the quality as per prescribed pharmacopeial standards prior to their supply to Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMJAK). All products are stored as per prescribed storage conditions of drugs and cosmetics rules 1945. Walk in cooler has been installed at Central Ware House for proper storage of the thermo degradable products like vaccines, sera, insulin etc. from 2 to 8 degrees centigrade.
Following incentives are provided to open PMJAK:
When free space provided by State Govt./MCD/PSU etc.
An amount of Rs 2.5 lakhs to be given to NGOs / agency running JAS in government hospital premises:
- Rs 1 Lakh reimbursement of furniture and fixtures
- Rs 1 Lakh by way of free medicines in the beginning
- 0.5 Lakh as reimbursement for computer and other miscellaneous items
For NGO/Society/Trust/Individual Entrepreneurs/Pharmacist/Doctor etc. other than Govt. Hospital Premises
PMJAK run by private entrepreneurs / pharmacists / NGOs / charitable institutions that are linked through internet are also entitled for sales incentive of 15% of monthly sales subject to ceiling of Rs 10000/- per month up to Rs 2.50 lakhs. In North east states the incentive is 15% and subject to monthly ceiling of Rs. 15000 and total limit of Rs 2.50 lakhs.
Click here to See State wise list of PMJAK
