How to Open Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra

Introduction

Healthcare is a basic necessity, yet many people in India struggle to afford quality medicines. To address this issue, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in November 2008. This scheme, initiated by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, aims to make generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, especially to the economically weaker sections of society. This article helps you in understanding how to open Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra.

About the Scheme

Under this initiative, special outlets called Janaushadhi Kendras have been set up across the country to sell generic medicines at much lower prices than branded ones. As of 30th September 2024, 13,822 functional Janaushadhi Kendras are providing cost-effective medicines to people. The scheme offers a wide range of 2,047 drugs and 300 surgical items, ensuring that essential medicines are accessible to all.

 The scheme is implemented by the Pharma & Medical Bureau of India (PMBI), a society registered under the Societies Registration Act. This organization was previously known as the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI).

Objectives of PMBJP

Before learning how to open Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra, one should understand the main goals of this initiative are:

1. Ensuring Access to Affordable Medicines: The scheme aims to provide high-quality medicines at low prices, making them accessible to the poor and underprivileged sections of society.
2. Spreading Awareness About Generic Medicines: Many people believe that expensive medicines are better in quality. PMBJP works to educate people and remove this misconception through awareness campaigns.
3. Generating Employment: By encouraging individuals to open Janaushadhi Kendras, the scheme creates self-employment opportunities and promotes entrepreneurship.

Salient Features of PMBJP

1. Government and Private Participation: The scheme is run by both government agencies and private entrepreneurs.
2. Increased Incentives: Kendra owners now receive up to ₹5 lakh, with a 15% monthly purchase incentive, capped at ₹15,000 per month.
3. Special One-Time Incentive: A ₹2 lakh grant for furniture, computers, and fixtures is given to Kendras in North-Eastern States, Himalayan areas, islands, backward districts, and those run by women, Divyang, SC/ST entrepreneurs, or ex-servicemen.
4. Affordable Medicines: Jan Aushadhi medicines cost 50%-90% less than branded medicines.
5. Quality Assurance: Medicines are procured only from WHO-GMP-certified suppliers and tested in NABL-accredited laboratories for quality control.

Eligibility and Incentives for Opening a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK)

Eligibility Criteria

1. For Individuals: Applicants must have a D. Pharma or B. Pharma degree. If they do not, they must employ someone with this qualification and provide proof at the time of application or final approval.
2. For Other Applicants: Entrepreneurs, pharmacists, trusts, societies, and charitable organizations must employ a B. Pharma or D. Pharma degree holder and provide proof at the time of application.
3. For Government Hospital Premises: Reputed NGOs and charitable organizations are preferred for setting up PMBJKs, but individuals are also eligible.

Margins and Incentives for a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra

1. Operating Margin: The operating agency will receive a 20% margin on the MRP (excluding taxes) of each medicine sold.
2. Special Incentives: PMBJKs opened by women entrepreneurs, Divyang (persons with disabilities), SC, ST, ex-servicemen, or in backward districts, Himalayan regions, island territories, and North-Eastern States will receive an additional ₹2 lakh as a one-time grant.This includes: ₹1.50 lakh for furniture and fixtures, ₹0.50 lakh for computers, internet, printer, etc.
3. The grant is provided only once per family (One Family – One Grant Rule).

 Note: The term "relative" includes spouse, unmarried dependent siblings, or any direct ancestors or descendants of the applicant.

Requirements for Opening a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK)

1.  Space Requirement: The applicant must have a minimum of 120 sq. ft. space, either owned or rented, with a Lease Agreement or Space Allotment Letter. PMBI does not assist in arranging space.
2. Pharmacist Proof: The applicant must provide proof of securing a registered pharmacist (State Council registration), either at the time of application or before final approval.
3. Category Certification: Applicants under women entrepreneurs, Ex-servicemen, Divyang, SC, ST, aspirational districts, Himalayan, Island, or North-Eastern States must submit valid proof. The selected category cannot be changed later.
4. Distance Policy: Minimum 1 km distance between two PMBJKs across all districts.No distance restriction within 500 meters of district government hospitals or private hospitals with 100+ beds or attached to medical colleges. PMBI will approve locations based on viability after a market survey.
5. Cheque Submission:  Applicants must provide three cheques (from an Indian nationalized bank) in favor of PMBI for supply payments. One cancelled cheque must also be submitted to PMBI.

Application Process for Opening a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK)

Application Fee: 

A non-refundable fee of ₹5,000 must be submitted along with the application form.

• Exempted Categories: Women entrepreneurs, Divyang (persons with disabilities), SC, ST, ex-servicemen, and entrepreneurs from aspirational districts, Himalayan regions, island territories, and North-Eastern states do not have to pay this fee, provided they submit proof of their category.

Bank Details for Payment:

• Bank: Bank of Baroda
• Branch: Parliament Branch, New Delhi
• Account Holder: Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
• Virtual Account Number: BPPIZCL07PAF0001
• IFSC Code: BARB0PARLIA

 How to Apply

Applications can be submitted online through the official PMBJP website: https://janaushadhi.gov.in

Contact Address

 For any inquiries, applicants can contact:

• Chief Executive Officer, Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
• Office Address: B-500, Tower B, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029.
• Telephone: 011-49431800

Conclusion

PMBJP is a revolutionary step towards affordable healthcare in India. Providing low-cost generic medicines not only improves public health but also boosts employment and awareness. With the continuous expansion of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra, the scheme is playing a vital role in ensuring "Health for All" across the nation.