Now cheap government medicines will be available near home, thousands of Jan Aushadhi Kendras will open in 2 years..
The central government has abolished the minimum distance rule for opening new affordable medicine shops, Jan Aushadhi Kendra in metros and densely populated cities. This decision of the Indian Medicines and Medical Equipment Bureau (PMBI) has come into effect from September 10. Its objective is to provide affordable generic medicines to the people. The government aims to open 25,000 stores in the country by March 31, 2027. Currently, 17,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are running, where 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical items are available.
According to media reports, by relaxing the distance rule, new centers will be able to open quickly, especially in crowded urban areas, and medicines will be available more equally. The official said that many people wanted to open centers in their cities, but were not able to do so due to the minimum distance rule. Now with the change in the rule, two or more centers can be opened nearby in seven big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.
The one-kilometer distance condition has been removed
Similarly, the one-kilometer condition has been removed in 46 other cities with a population of more than 10 lakh, but if a new center is being opened near a place where a center has been opened within the last two years, then the distance rule will remain applicable until two years are completed. In all other cities and towns, the minimum distance rule of one kilometer will continue for now.
Generic medicines are up to 90% cheaper
According to the report, the facility of opening many centers in areas with high demand will increase the availability of cheap medicines. Generic medicines are 50-90% cheaper than branded medicines, which will directly save people. This expansion will provide work to new entrepreneurs and will also increase employment opportunities. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is the flagship scheme of the government, which aims to provide good quality medicines at low prices.
20 thousand rupees are given every month
Under the scheme, the government gives a monthly incentive of up to ₹ 20,000 and a one-time assistance of up to ₹ 2 lakh for opening centers in specific areas or sections. To ensure the quality of medicines, all Jan Aushadhi medicines are purchased from companies that follow WHO-GMP (World Health Organization standards). A statement is awaited from the Pharmaceutical Department.
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