Introduction to PM Bhartiya Janaushadi Pariyojana

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India in November 2008. The scheme aims to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the masses, especially the poor and deprived sections of society, by setting up dedicated outlets called Janaushadhi Kendras. As of November 30, 2023, over 10,000 such Kendras are operational across the country, offering a wide range of medicines and surgical items.

The scheme is implemented by Pharma & Medical Bureau of India (PMBI), previously known as the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI). The product basket includes 1965 drugs and 293 surgical items.

Objectives

  1. To make quality generic medicines accessible and affordable to all, especially the economically weaker sections of society.
  2. To create awareness about the benefits of generic medicines and counter the belief that higher prices equate to better quality.
  3. To generate employment opportunities by encouraging individual entrepreneurs to open PMBJP Kendras.
  4. To ensure that all medicines provided are of the highest quality, sourced from WHO-GMP-certified suppliers and tested by NABL-accredited laboratories.

Benefits

  1. Incentives for Kendra Owners:
    • Normal Incentive: Increased from ₹2,50,000 to up to ₹5,00,000, given at 15% of monthly purchases, subject to a maximum of ₹15,000 per month.
    • Special Incentive: A one-time ₹2,00,000 incentive for Kendra owners in North-Eastern States, Himalayan areas, Island territories, backward aspirational districts, and for women entrepreneurs, SC/STs, and Divyangs.
  2. Affordable Medicines: Medicines under the scheme are sold at 50%–90% lower than branded medicines available in the market.
  3. Procurement from WHO-GMP-Certified Suppliers: All medicines are sourced from certified suppliers to ensure their quality.
  4. Testing of Medicines: Each batch of medicine is tested at NABL-accredited laboratories.
  5. Margin for Operating Agencies: A 20% margin on the MRP (excluding taxes) of each drug is given to the operating agency.

Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkin

  • Launched on 27.08.2019 to ensure health security for Indian women.
  • Priced at just Re.1 per pad, available in more than 10,000 PMBJP Kendras.
  • The cumulative sales of Suvidha Napkins till November 30, 2023, amounted to 47.87 crores.

Eligibility

  1. Individual Applicants: Must have a D. Pharma/B. Pharma degree or employ D. Pharma/B. Pharma degree holders.
  2. NGOs/Organizations: Must employ B. Pharma / D. Pharma degree holders.
  3. Government Hospitals/Medical Colleges: Preferably NGOs/Charitable organizations, but individual entrepreneurs can also apply.

Application Process

Online Process:

  1. Visit the official website: http://janaushadhi.gov.in/index.aspx
  2. Click on the “APPLY FOR KENDRA” tab.
  3. Click “CLICK HERE TO APPLY” and register using your unique mobile number & email ID.
  4. After successful registration, you will receive a USER ID & PASSWORD for login.
  5. Fill out the application form carefully, uploading required documents.
  6. Pay the application processing fee of ₹5000 (Government Category) via PMBI’s virtual account.
  7. After submission, confirmation will be shared via email. You can track the status of your application online.

Offline Process:

  1. Download the applicant form (page no. 06 onwards).
  2. Fill out all the necessary details with the self-declaration.
  3. Submit the form to:
    • Chief Executive Officer
    • Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
    • 8th Floor, Videocon Tower, Block E-1, Jhandewalan Extension, New Delhi – 110055.
    • Contact: 011-49431800
  4. Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of ₹5000, unless the applicant belongs to Women Entrepreneurs, Divyangs, SC/STs, or resides in aspirational districts, Himalayan/Island Territories, or North-Eastern States.

Documents Required

  1. Common Documents:
    • Own or hired space (minimum 120 sq feet).
    • Proof of securing a pharmacist with State Council Registration.
    • Financial capacity documents (affidavits, financial conditions).
    • Retail Drug License or TIN Number.
  2. Special Incentive (for eligible individuals):
    • Aadhaar Card, Pan Card.
    • Certificate of SC/ST/Divyang (PWD).
    • Pharmacist Registration.
    • ITR for last two years and Bank Statement.
  3. Normal Incentive (for individuals):
    • Aadhaar Card, Pan Card.
    • Pharmacist Registration, ITR for last two years, and Bank Statement.
  4. Normal Incentive (for Institutions/NGOs):
    • Darpan ID (only for NGOs).
    • Pan Card, Registration Certificate.
    • Pharmacist Registration, ITR for last two years, and Bank Statement.
  5. Government/ Govt Nominated Agency:
    • Department details with supporting documents.
    • Pan Card and Pharmacist Registration.
    • ITR for last two years (if private entity).
    • Bank statement (if private entity).
    • Supporting documents from the government.

Key Contacts

This comprehensive scheme provides an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs, NGOs, and government agencies to provide affordable medicine solutions while ensuring quality and accessibility for the general public.