Launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) aims to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices. Branded medicines, though therapeutically identical to their un-branded counterparts, are sold at much higher prices. The PMBJP initiative establishes dedicated outlets—Janaushadhi Kendras—to ensure that the poor and the deprived have access to essential medicines at significantly lower costs. As of 30.11.2023, over 10,000 Janaushadhi Kendras are operational nationwide, offering a basket of 1965 drugs and 293 surgical items.
Objectives
- Affordability:
Ensure access to quality generic medicines at prices that are 50%–90% lower than branded alternatives. - Awareness:
Educate the public about the therapeutic equivalence of generic medicines. - Employment Generation:
Engage individual entrepreneurs in establishing Janaushadhi Kendras. - Quality Assurance:
Procure medicines only from WHO-GMP certified suppliers and test each batch in NABL-accredited laboratories. - Financial Incentives:
Provide attractive incentives for Kendra owners, including enhanced normal and special incentives.
Benefits
- Normal Incentive:
- Enhanced incentive up to ₹5,00,000 for Kendra owners, calculated as 15% of monthly purchases (subject to a ceiling of ₹15,000 per month).
- Special Incentive:
- A one-time incentive of ₹2,00,000 for centers in North-Eastern States, Himalayan areas, Island territories, aspirational districts (as per NITI Aayog), or those established by women entrepreneurs, Divyang, SCs, and STs—applicable for furniture, fixtures, computers, and printers.
- Pricing Advantage:
- Janaushadhi medicines are priced significantly lower than branded alternatives.
- Quality and Safety:
- Medicines are procured from WHO-GMP certified suppliers and quality tested by NABL-accredited labs.
- Operating Margin:
- The operating agency earns a 20% margin on the MRP (excluding taxes) of each drug.
Additionally, as an extension of the PMBJP, Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins were launched on 27.08.2019 to offer biodegradable sanitary pads at Re.1 per pad, further enhancing health security for Indian women.
Eligibility
- For Individuals:
- Must have a D. Pharma/B. Pharma degree or employ a qualified pharmacist (with proof required at application or final approval).
- For Organizations/NGOs:
- Must employ or engage qualified D. Pharma/B. Pharma degree holders, with proof provided at application or final approval.
- Preferred Settings:
- In government hospital premises and medical colleges, reputable NGOs/charitable organizations are preferred; however, individual entrepreneurs are also eligible.
Application Process
Online & Offline
- Visit the Official Website:
Go to http://janaushadhi.gov.in. - Apply for Kendra:
- Click on the ‘APPLY FOR KENDRA’ tab.
- Then click on ‘CLICK HERE TO APPLY’.
- Register:
- Click on ‘REGISTER NOW’ and fill in the required details including a unique mobile number and email ID.
- After successful registration, you will receive a unique USER ID and PASSWORD via email.
- Log In and Complete Application:
- Log in using your USER ID and PASSWORD.
- Complete the application form, providing basic information, details of the proposed Kendra, and payment of the processing fee of ₹5,000 (for the Govt. Category) to PMBI’s virtual account.
- Document Upload:
- Upload required documents (e.g., PACS ID, Certificate of Incorporation, PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, 6-month bank statement) ensuring each file is within 200KB and in PDF/JPEG/PNG/JPG format.
- Final Submission:
- Review the application and click “Submit”.
- A confirmation will be sent to the registered email.
- Application status can be checked online or by calling the helpline at 18001808080.
Documents Required
Common Documents
- Premises Proof:
Proof of own space or leased space (minimum 120 sq feet) via ownership documents, lease agreement, or allotment letter. - Pharmacist Proof:
Evidence of securing a qualified pharmacist (name, state council registration, etc.), which can also be provided later at final approval. - Financial Capacity:
Documents or affidavits demonstrating financial capacity to run the Kendra. - Licenses:
- Retail Drug License (Sale License) in the name of the applicant/TIN number.
- Drug license in the name of “Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendra”.
Special Incentive (Individual)
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Certificate of SC/ST or Divyang (if applicable)
- Pharmacist Registration Certification
- ITR for the last two years
- Bank statement for the last 6 months
- Declaration for GST registration once threshold is achieved
- Undertaking (if applicable): For Woman Entrepreneurs, Aspirational District, Himalayan/Island Territories/North-Eastern States, Divyang, or SC/ST
Normal Incentive (Individual)
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- General category proof
- Pharmacist Registration Certification
- ITR for the last two years
- Bank statement for the last 6 months
- Declaration for GST registration once threshold is achieved
- Undertaking of distance policy as per guidelines
Normal Incentive (Institutions/NGO/Charitable Institute/Hospital)
- Darpan ID (for NGOs) or supporting documents for other entities
- PAN Card
- Registration certificate
- Pharmacist Registration Certification
- ITR for the last two years
- Bank statement for the last 6 months
- Declaration for GST registration once threshold is achieved
- Undertaking of distance policy as per guidelines
Normal Incentive (Government/Govt Nominated Agency)
- Details of the allocating department with supporting documents or sanction order
- PAN Card
- Government nominated agency supporting documents
- Pharmacist Registration Certification
- ITR and bank statement (if applicable for private entities)
- Declaration for GST registration once threshold is achieved
- Undertaking of distance policy as per guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)?
It is a government scheme to make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices through dedicated Janaushadhi Kendras. - What is a generic medicine?
Generic medicines are un-branded drugs that are therapeutically equivalent to branded medicines but available at a significantly lower cost. - What is PMBI?
PMBI stands for Pharma & Medical Bureau of India, the registered society managing PMBJP. - How is the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines ensured?
Medicines are procured from WHO-GMP certified suppliers, and each batch is tested in NABL-accredited laboratories. - Are generic drugs as effective as branded ones?
Yes, they are identical in therapeutic value. - How do generic medicines benefit patients?
They are available at 50%–90% lower prices, making healthcare more affordable. - What medicines are available from Janaushadhi Kendras and what are their prices?
A wide range of 1965 drugs and 293 surgical items are available at significantly lower prices compared to branded medicines. - How many Janaushadhi Kendras have been opened and what are their locations?
Over 10,000 Janaushadhi Kendras are operational nationwide. - What are the operating hours of Janaushadhi Kendras?
Please refer to the official website for specific timings. - How are medicines procured and supplied to Janaushadhi Kendras?
Medicines are procured from certified suppliers and distributed through a robust supply chain system. - Who can open a Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendra?
Both government agencies and private entrepreneurs meeting the eligibility criteria can open a Kendra. - What are the requirements for opening a Kendra by an organization or individual other than a government-nominated entity?
Applicants must fulfill criteria regarding space, financial capacity, pharmacist certification, licenses, and other documentation as outlined. - What is the procedure for opening a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra?
The process involves online registration, submission of the application form, payment of the processing fee, document upload, and final verification. - What incentives are available to a Kendra owner?
Incentives include normal and special incentives as detailed, based on monthly purchases and location/entrepreneur category. - What is the official website?
Please visit the Official PMBJP Website for more details and to locate a Kendra.