Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Yojana: Benefit to common man

Generally people buy medicines of reputed brands or which are prescribed by their Doctors. The price of reputed brand medicines generally remains on higher side and creates affordability issue. The “Jan Aushadhi” was launched by the Govt. of India in the year 2008 with an intention of providing quality generic medicines at an affordable price. In Amritsar city of Punjab State the first “Jan Aushadhi Medical Store” was opened on 25 November 2008. The “Jan Aushadhi” was renamed “as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana" (PMBJP) in November 2016. To further augment the scheme various provisions has been made like a grant of Rs.2.5 lakhs is given to NGOs, agencies and individuals who establish Jan Aushadhi stores in Government hospital premises. The space is also provided free of cost. All NGOs, Charitable Societies, Self Help Groups, with experience of minimum 3 years in welfare activities, can also open the Jan Aushadhi store outside the hospital premises. The Jan Aushadhi programme is widely aimed to revolutionize the philosophy of production, retail trade and prescription of medicines. Despite the fact that; the difference in the price of generic and branded medicine is huge; the scheme till date has not achieved the targets which were set due to various reasons. Like very few patients have opted for the scheme, very few stores were running till 2015 and an average of 40-100 drugs were available till 2015. Although there are short comings in the scheme, it should be implemented by making all possible efforts so that the poor people of the country can have access to quality healthcare and better life. The paper analyzes the various factors crucial for the success of the scheme. Secondary data from various sources has been used in the paper. The results of the paper are useful for pharmacy professionals and common man.