Context:

• The  Bureau  of  Pharma  PSUs  of  India  (BPPI),  has  found  18  Pharmaceutical  companies substandard drugs which were supplying under Janaushadhi scheme.

Objectives of the scheme:

• Making quality medicines available at affordable prices for all, particularly the poor and disadvantaged, through exclusive outlets “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras”, so as to reduce out of pocket expenses in healthcare.

Implementation Agency:

• BPPI (Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India), under the administrative control of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India will be the implementation agency for the PMBJP.

Key Features:

• State Governments or any organization / reputed NGOs / Trusts / Private hospitals / Charitable institutions / Doctors / Unemployed pharmacist/ individual entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for new Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras.
• The applicants shall have to employ one B Pharma / D Pharma degree holder as Pharmacist in their proposed store.
• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras can be located within Government hospital premises as well as Private hospital premises or anywhere outside.
• Financial   support   to   applicants:   An   amount   of   Rs.2.5   lakhs   shall   be   extended   to NGOs/agencies/individuals  establishing  Pradhan  Mantri  Bhartiya  Janaushadhi  Kendras in Government hospital premises where space is provided free of cost by Government to operating agency: Rs. 1 lakh reimbursement of furniture and fixtures Rs. 1 lakh by way of free  medicines  in  the  beginning  Rs.  0.50  lakh  as  reimbursement  for  computer  and peripherals, internet, etc.