Why in News ?
After Mauritius, now Nepal has approached India to set up Jan Aushadhi Kendras in that country, which would allow its citizens to benefit from low cost ‘Made in India’ generic medicines.
What is Jan Aushadhi Kendras ?
Under the scheme, dedicated outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras are opened to provide generic medicines at affordable prices. As on 31.01.2024, 10607 Janaushadhi Kendras are functional across the country.
The Jan Aushadhi initiative makes available quality drugs at affordable prices through dedicated stores selling generic medicines which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs.
Today’s News :
Earlier, Mauritius became the first country to adopt the ‘Jan Aushadhi Scheme’, enabling it to source about 250 high quality medicines from the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India.
The Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a flagship Central government scheme under which quality generic medicines are made available at affordable prices via dedicated outlets called Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK). India currently has over 10,000 PMBJKs across the country.
The scheme is being implemented by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India, an autonomous society under the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
“Product basket of PMBJP comprises 1965 medicines and 293 surgical equipment covering all major therapeutic groups such as anti-infectives, anti-diabetics, cardiovasculars, anti-cancers, gastro-intestinal medicines, etc., which are available for sale through these kendras,” the press release also stated. In 2023, 206 medicines and 13 surgical equipment were added to the product basket.