Government invites online applications for new Janaushadhi Kendras

To open new stores in 651 districts across the country; increase total to 10,000 by March 2024; financial incentives

MDDTimes

Source - GoI

The government is inviting online applications from registered pharmacists across the country to open new Janaushadhi Kendras (generic medicine stores) in 651 districts of different states/Union Territories.

The Ministry of Chemicals said that the government is planning to increase the total number of Janaushadhi stores in the country to 10,000 by March 2024 from around 9,000 stores currently. Hence, the government approved the proposal of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), the implementing agency of PMBJP (Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) to invite online applications from pharmacists.

The aim is to make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all. The product basket of PMBJP comprises 1,759 medicines and 280 surgical devices covering all major therapeutic groups, including diabetic, smoking, and sanitary pads at much lower prices than the market (read Janausadhi generic medicines: people save Rs.18,000 crore in 8 years – MDDTimes).

The ministry said, the scheme would provide an opportunity of self-employment with sustainable and regular earnings.

Under PMBJP, an incentive of Rs.5 lakhs is provided to the Janaushadhi Kendras as financial assistance and one-time additional incentive of Rs.2 lakhs (as reimbursement for IT and Infra expenditure) is provided to Janaushadhi Kendras opened in North-Eastern states, Himalayan areas, island territories and backward areas identified as aspirational districts by NITI Ayog or if opened by women entrepreneur, ex-serviceman, Divyang, SCs and STs.

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