The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility for all citizens. This program focuses on providing affordable and high-quality generic medicines through a network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs).
The primary objective of PMBJP is to offer generic medicines at prices that are 50% to 80% lower than their branded counterparts. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on individuals seeking healthcare.
As of now, there are over 15,000 operational JAKs spread across 776 districts in India. These centers play a crucial role in providing low-cost medicines and surgical products to millions of people daily.
JAKs offer a wide range of products, including 2,047 different medicines and 300 surgical and healthcare items. This includes essential drugs for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
The cost of generic medicines at JAKs is significantly lower than in the open market. For instance, Telmisartan (40 mg), a widely used blood pressure medication, costs ₹72 for 10 tablets in the market, while it is priced at just ₹12 for the same quantity at JAKs.
Quality assurance is a key aspect of PMBJP. Medicines available at JAKs are sourced from WHO-GMP-certified manufacturers and undergo rigorous testing in NABL-accredited laboratories prior to distribution.
JAKs also focus on women's health by providing highly subsidized oxo-biodegradable sanitary pads for ₹1 each. Over the last five years, approximately 74.5 crore pads have been sold through these centers, promoting better hygiene and health among women.
PMBJP has been instrumental in lowering out-of-pocket healthcare expenses from 64% in 2013-14 to 39% in 2021-22. Households utilizing PMBJP services save an average of ₹550 monthly, with many saving over ₹1,000 each month.
The initiative encourages entrepreneurs, NGOs, and small businesses to open JAKs using a franchise model. Currently, around 6,000 JAKs, which is 40% of the total, are operated by women, fostering job creation and local economic growth.
In the past decade, the total savings for citizens resulting from affordable medicines provided by JAKs is estimated to exceed ₹30,000 crore. Entrepreneurs managing JAKs have collectively earned ₹1,268 crore, contributing to local economies.
The government plans to increase the number of JAKs from 10,000 to 25,000 over the next two years. This expansion aims to further enhance accessibility to affordable medicines, ensuring that every citizen can secure their health without financial strain.
“Ensuring affordable healthcare is not just about treatment, but about securing a dignified life for every citizen.”
Q1. What is the main aim of PMBJP?
Answer: The main aim of PMBJP is to provide affordable and quality generic medicines through a network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, significantly reducing healthcare costs for citizens.
Q2. How many medicines are available at JAKs?
Answer: JAKs offer 2,047 types of medicines along with 300 surgical and healthcare products, catering to diverse health needs.
Q3. How has PMBJP affected healthcare expenses?
Answer: PMBJP has significantly lowered out-of-pocket healthcare expenses from 64% in 2013-14 to 39% in 2021-22, providing substantial savings for households.
Q4. What role do JAKs play in women's health?
Answer: JAKs provide highly subsidized sanitary pads at ₹1 each, promoting better hygiene and health for women, with millions sold over the years.
Q5. How does PMBJP support entrepreneurship?
Answer: PMBJP promotes entrepreneurship by inviting individuals and organizations to open JAKs under a franchise model, with a significant portion managed by women.
Question 1: What is the primary objective of PMBJP?
A) To provide free healthcare services
B) To offer affordable generic medicines
C) To promote branded medicines
D) To reduce healthcare professionals
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How many Jan Aushadhi Kendras are operational as of now?
A) 5,000
B) 10,000
C) 15,000
D) 20,000
Correct Answer: C
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