The Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra (PMJAK) is a government initiative launched to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the masses, especially to the economically weaker sections of society. Here’s an overview of PMJAK:
- Objective: The primary objective of PMJAK is to make quality generic medicines available at lower prices compared to branded medicines. This initiative aims to reduce the out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare and promote access to essential medicines for all.
- Establishment: PMJAKs are set up as retail outlets or pharmacies that exclusively sell generic medicines. These Kendras are established across various locations, including urban areas, rural regions, and underserved areas, to ensure maximum accessibility.
- Generic Medicines: Generic medicines are drugs that contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredients as their branded counterparts but are sold under their chemical names. Since generic medicines do not involve brand-related expenses, they are typically more affordable than branded drugs.
- Quality Assurance: All generic medicines sold through PMJAKs undergo stringent quality testing and adhere to the standards set by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). This ensures that consumers receive safe and effective medicines.
- Affordability: One of the key features of PMJAKs is the significant cost reduction of medicines. By eliminating brand premiums and marketing costs, generic medicines available at these Kendras are considerably cheaper, making them accessible to a wider population, especially those from low-income backgrounds.
- Accessibility: PMJAKs are strategically located across various parts of the country, including remote and rural areas, to ensure that people have easy access to affordable medicines. These Kendras play a crucial role in addressing healthcare disparities and improving healthcare access in underserved regions.
- Expansion and Outreach: The government continues to expand the PMJAK network to cover more areas and reach more people. Efforts are made to raise awareness about the availability and benefits of generic medicines through various outreach programs and awareness campaigns.
Documents Required:
- Pan card
- Aadhaar Card
- Certificate of SC/ST or Divyang (PWD
- Pharmacist Registration Certification
- ITR for last two years
- Bank statement for last 6 months
- Declaration for GST registration once threshold limit is achieved
- Undertakings (As per policies).
Requirements for opening PMBJK:
- Own space or hired space (Minimum 120 sq. ft.) duly supported by proper lease agreement or space allotment letter. Applicant will arrange the space for running the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra & PMBI will have no role for arranging space.
- Proof of securing a pharmacist with name, Registration with the State Council etc. (or it can be submitted at the time of final approval of PMBJK)
- If applicant is under the category of Women entrepreneurs, Divyang, SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen & any entrepreneurs of aspirational districts (backward district) as notified by the Niti Aayog, in Himalayan, Island territories and North- Eastern states, the applicant has to submit suitable certificate/proof from respective authorities along with undertaking at the time of application. The applicant must mention the category for getting the suitable benefit and category mentioned in application form. Once the category is selected by the applicant, later on applicant will not be able to change it in future due to any reason.
- Non-refundable application fees of Rs. 5,000/- is to be deposited along with application form. Application fee is not applicable in case of applicant belongs to the category of Women Entrepreneurs, Divyang, SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen & any entrepreneurs of aspirational districts (backward district) as notified by the NITI Aayog, in Himalayan, Island territories and North Eastern states. For exemption of fee the applicant has to submit the proof of their category.
- The following distance policy shall be observed, while approving the new PMBJK. Hence, applicant is required to follow the mentioned distance policy while applying for the new PMBJK:
(i) Distance of minimum 01.00 km. to be maintained between two Kendras while approving new Kendra in all Districts throughout the country.
(ii) No distance policy restrictions shall be observed in surrounding area up to 500 meters from District Government Hospitals and Private Hospitals having 100 and more beds or Hospitals attached or associated with Medical Colleges.
However, location and number of Kendras shall be determined by the PMBI after examining the scope of viability of locations after market survey.
(As amended by the Governing Council, PMBI in its 45th meeting, held on 16.11.2023)
Overall, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra initiative plays a vital role in promoting healthcare affordability and accessibility, contributing to the government’s efforts to improve healthcare outcomes and ensure universal access to essential medicines.