In India, the availability of affordable generic medicines has been a challenge for many years. But with the launch of PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the availability of generic medicines is no longer a distant dream. PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra are government-run stores that provide high-quality, low-cost generic medicines at an affordable price to all citizens. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra and how it is changing the face of healthcare in India.
What is PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra?
The PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra (BJAK) is a scheme of the Government of India that aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to all citizens of India. The BJAK was launched in 2008 and has been operationalised through a network of over 3,000 outlets across the country. The BJAK offers a wide range of medicines, including those for chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes, as well as antibiotics, vitamins and minerals. The BJAK is open to all citizens of India and provides a hassle-free experience with its online portal that enables easy purchase of medicines.
The Different Types of PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras
The Different Types of PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras
1. Permanent PMBJAK: These are brick and mortar stores which are set-up in permanent locations like markets, hospitals, chemist shops, etc.
2. Mobile PMBJAK: These are vans or carts which move around to different areas in a city/town providing medicines to people in remote areas.
3. Franchisee PMBJAK: Here, the government has given permission to certain private firms/individuals to open up PMBJAKs under their own brand name and management.
4. Online PMBJAK: Orders for medicines can be placed online on the government’s e-portal and the delivery will be made from the nearest store.
Pros and Cons of PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra
The PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra (BJAK) scheme was launched by the Prime Minister in 2008. The scheme aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to all Indians, especially the poor and underprivileged. BJAKs are run by non-profit organizations, and all profits must be reinvested into the scheme.
There are many advantages of the BJAK scheme. One is that it provides quality medicines at cheaper prices than most other outlets. For example, a strip of commonly used antibiotics costs only Rs 8 at a BJAK, while it would cost around Rs 30 at a pharmacy. This makes treatment more affordable for poor patients. Another advantage is that BJAKs are located across India, making them easily accessible to patients. In addition, they are open late into the night, which is convenient for people who work during the day. Finally, BJAKs offer a wide range of medicines, including difficult-to-find ones.
There are some disadvantages of BJAKs as well. One is that they are not always stocked with the medicines that patients need. This can be frustrating for patients who have to wait for their medicine to be delivered from another outlet. Another disadvantage is that not all doctors are aware of the scheme, and so may not prescribe medicines from BJAKs even when they are available. This means that patients have to be proactive in asking for medicines from BJAKs if they want to benefit from the scheme.
What are the benefits of PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra?
The PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra is a scheme launched by the Government of India to make quality medicines affordable for all. Under this scheme, over 3,000 medicines are available at more than 4,500 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. The prices of these medicines are up to 85% cheaper than their branded counterparts.
There are many benefits of PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra. Firstly, it helps to make quality medicines affordable for all. Secondly, it increases access to essential medicines across the country. Thirdly, it reduces the burden on patients and their families as they no longer have to spend a lot of money on expensive medicines. Fourthly, it helps in creating employment opportunities as each Jan Aushadhi Kendra employs around 4-5 people. Finally, it also promotes the use of generic medicines which are equally effective as branded medicines but much cheaper.
How to start a PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra
Starting a PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra (BJAK) is a great way to ensure that your community has access to affordable medicines. Here are the steps you need to take to get started:
1. Find out if there is already a BJAK in your area: Use the search tool on the Department of Pharmaceuticals website to find out if there is already a BJAK registered in your area. If there is, you can contact them to see if they are open to new members.
2. Register as a member of the scheme: To register as a member of the BJAK scheme, you will need to fill out an application form and submit it to the Department of Pharmaceuticals. The form is available on the department’s website.
3. Get trained: Once you have registered as a member, you will need to undergo training in order to be able to dispense medicines from the kendra. The training will be provided by authorised trainers from the department or from any other organisation approved by the department.
4. Apply for a licence: After you have completed your training, you will need to apply for a licence from the State Licensing Authority in order to start operating your kendra. The application form for the licence is available on the department’s website.
5. Start dispensing medicines: Once you have received your licence, you can start dispensing medicines from your kendra. Remember
Conclusion
PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra is a great initiative taken by the central government to provide quality and affordable medicines to all sections of the society. The aim of this scheme is to reduce health expenses, especially for those who cannot afford expensive medicines. It not only helps in providing better healthcare but also creates employment opportunities for individuals as it has created more than 600 outlets across India. This scheme surely is a boon for the underprivileged sections of our society and will go a long way in helping them lead healthier lives.