Janaushadhi Diwas

• 01 Mar 2022

For Prelims: Janaushadhi Diwas, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) and its features

For Mains: India’s Pharma Sector and issues, Generic Medicines and its need, Steps taken to promote generic medicine in India, Government Policies & Interventions, Health.

Why in News?

Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), under the aegis of Department of Pharmaceuticals is going to celebrate their 4^th Jan Aushadhi Diwas.

• All the activities will be organised within the spirit of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” and several events have been planned at 75 locations.
• This will generate awareness about the usages of generic medicines and benefits of Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana.
• The theme of this year's (2022) Janaushadhi Diwas is Jan Aushadhi-Jan Upyogi.

What is Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)?

• PMBJP is a campaign launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in 2008 under the name Jan Aushadhi Campaign.
  • The campaign was revamped as PMBJP in 2015-16.
• Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementation agency for PMBJP.
  • The Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) of India works under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers.
  • BPPI has also developed the Janaushadhi Sugam Application.
• A medicine is priced on the principle of maximum 50% of average price of the top three brands branded medicines. Thus, the prices of Jan Aushadhi Medicines are cheaper by at least 50% and in some cases, by 80% to 90% of the market price of the branded medicines.

What is the objective of the PMBJP?

• To make available quality medicines, consumables and surgical items at affordable prices for all and reduce out of pocket expenditure of consumers/patients.
• To popularise generic medicines among the masses and dispel the prevalent notion that low priced generic medicines are of inferior quality or are less effective.
  • Generic medicines are unbranded medicines which are equally safe and having the same efficacy as that of branded medicines in terms of their therapeutic value.
• To ensure easy availability of the menstrual health services (Janaushadhi ‘Suvidha’ sanitary napkins) to all women across India.
• Generate employment by engaging individual entrepreneurs in the opening of PMBJP Kendras.

What is Janaushadhi Kendra?

• These are the centres from where quality generic medicines are made available to all.
• Bureau of Pharma PSUs in India (BPPI) supports Janaushadhi Kendras as a part of PMBJP.
• The Government has set a target to increase the number of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) to 10,500 by the end of March 2025.
  • As on 31^st January, 2022, the number of stores has increased to 8,675.
• Product basket of PMBJP comprises 1451 drugs and 240 surgical instruments.
  • Further, new medicines and nutraceuticals products like protein powder, malt-based food supplements, protein bar, immunity bar, sanitizer, masks, glucometer, oximeter, etc. have been launched.

What has been the Performance of the PMBJP?

• In the current financial year 2021-22 (till 31^st January, 2022), PMBI has made sales of Rs. 751.42 Crore which led to savings of approximately Rs. 4500 Crore to the citizens.
• This scheme is also providing a good source of self-employment with sustainable and regular earnings.
• Average sales per store per month has grown to Rs 1.50 lacs (including Over-The-Counter & other products) as per a survey.
  • Over-The-Counter refers to a medicine that can be bought without a prescription.

Source: PIB