Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Pariyojana

(Syllabus- GS Paper-2, government policies and interventions,Health)

03/05/2023

348 1 minute read

Context– India is planning to offer affordable generic medicines to several countries including Nigeria, Panama and Ecuador under its Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana(PMBJP)

About the scheme PMBJP

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched by the Ministry of chemicals & fertilizers
The ministry had launched a scheme in the year 2008 to provide affordable and quality generic medicines (medicines that are unbranded but are equally efficient and safe as branded medicines) for all.
The programme was earlier known as the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janausdhadi yojana that was renamed as Pradhan mantri Bharatiya Janaushadi pariyojana in the year 2015.
The programme is being implemented by the Pharmaceuticals and medical devices Bureau of India (PMBI).

Aim of the programme:

To reduce out -of-pocket expenditure on medicines and improve quality of medicines, devices and equipment.
Lower the cost of medical treatments.
Ensure gender equality by involving women’s access to menstruation health care.
Improve employment opportunities by providing forindividual business.
Create awareness on the efficacy and safety of generic medicines and disprove their lower quality.

Other initiatives under the programme:

Janaushadhi Oxo- Biodegradable sanitary napkins – Janasudhadi Suvidha that are affordable at only rupee1 for women promoting menstrual hygiene.

Janaushadhi kendras– centers for providing generic medicals, surgical equipment that includes 240 surgical equipment and 1451 prescription medications.

Janaushadhi diwas- every year 7th March is celebrated as the Janasuhsadi diwas to create and promote awareness on generic medicines and health checkups.

Jan Aushadhi sugam Application– the app is developed by the Ministry of chemicals and fertilizers, department of pharmaceuticals in the year 2019. The app helps the user find nearby janaushadhi kendras and compare prices of branded and generic medications.