Janausadhi generic medicines: people save Rs.18,000 crore in 8 years
Currently, 9,000 Kendras offer 1,760 medicines and 280 surgical devices across the nation; looking to grow 40% in FY2023
Source - GoI
The Ministry of Chemicals said that Indians saved Rs.18,000 crore in the past eight years by buying generic medicines provided by the central government through its Janausadhi stores across the nation. The savings stood at around Rs.4,000 in FY2020-21.
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched in 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers. Since then, more than 9,000 Janaushadhi Kendras have been opened in the country, driven by the incentives that the government provides to Pharmacy graduates, and several government organisations involved in manufacturing and distribution of drugs.
In 2014-15, the number of Kendras stood at 80 with total sales of Rs.7.3 crore.
The stores have grown at a rapid pace, especially in the recent years with new products in the portfolio such as glucometers (available for Rs.525 vs around Rs2,500 of private brands) and nutraceuticals – it just launched the Jan Aushadhi Special Chyawanprash. A strip of paracetamol costs Rs.7, and an anti-smoking strip costs Rs.42. It has also launched the “Sugam” app for people to find the nearest Kendra.
The Ministry said, “The successful implementation of the scheme has already achieved Rs.869.12 crore sales in the current financial year, and it is aiming to reach the target of Rs.1,200 crore in this financial year.”
At present, the Kendras offer more than 1,759 medicines and 280 surgical devices including Suvidha Sanitary pads which are sold at Rs.1 per pad. Prices of the Janaushadhi medicines are generally 50-90% less than that of branded medicines available in the open market (read New diabetes medicines at 60-70% lower prices in Janaushadhi stores – MDDTimes).
The scope for further growth is immense considering the growing popularity and lack of sufficient Kendras in small towns. According to the government, an average Kendra sales are around Rs.1.5 lakhs.
Send your comments to feedback@mddtimes.com
