Medicines supplied under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) are exclusively sourced from suppliers certified by the World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) to ensure product quality. After receiving each batch at the warehouses, the drugs undergo testing in laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). Only those batches that pass quality tests are dispatched to Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs), with any substandard batches being returned to the supplier. As a result, only high-quality medicines are distributed through JAKs.
The Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), the agency responsible for implementing PMBJP, is actively raising awareness about the scheme's features and the benefits of Jan Aushadhi generic medicines through various advertising channels including print media, radio, television, cinema, and outdoor advertising like hoardings, bus queue shelter branding, bus and auto wrapping, among others. Additionally, PMBI regularly uses social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to educate the public about the advantages of Jan Aushadhi generic medicines.
To further promote awareness, PMBI organizes Jan Aushadhi Diwas annually on March 7th, along with workshops and seminars during events like Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and National Unity Day week, aimed at educating consumers about the PMBJP Scheme.
The popularity of the scheme is evident from the growth in sales at Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which increased from Rs. 7.29 crore in 2014 to Rs. 1,470 crore by July 2024. The number of JAKs has also risen from 80 in 2014 to 13,113 as of July 31, 2024. Over the past decade, medicines worth Rs. 5,600 crore have been sold through JAKs, resulting in estimated savings of Rs. 30,000 crore for consumers.
By July 31, 2024, 912 Jan Aushadhi Kendras had been established in aspirational districts, including those with predominantly backward and SC/ST populations.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)
