New Delhi: The Central government on Tuesday granted permission for 2,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras, in a move aimed at increasing access to affordable medicines across the country.
The decision was announced following a meeting between the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh S. Mandaviya, in New Delhi.
“2000 PACS across the country will be identified to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras. 1000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras will be opened by August and 1000 by December, this year,” the ministry of Cooperation said in a statement.
“This important decision will not only increase the income of PACS and create employment opportunities but will also make medicines available at affordable prices to the people, especially those living in rural areas,” it added.
To date, over 9,400 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been set up throughout the country. These outlets offer a comprehensive range of 1,800 types of medicines and 285 other medical devices, all of which are available at significantly lower prices compared to branded alternatives.
Eligibility for opening a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra requires applicants to hold a degree in D. Pharma/B. Pharma. This opportunity is open not only to individuals but also to organizations, NGOs, charitable organizations, and hospitals, provided they appoint B.Pharma / D.Pharma degree holders. Additionally, applicants are required to have a minimum of 120 square feet of space, either privately owned or rented, to accommodate Kendra.
The application fee for opening a Jan Aushadhi Kendra is set at Rs. 5,000. However, applicants falling under special categories such as women entrepreneurs, Divyang (people with disabilities), Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Ex-Servicemen are exempt from paying this fee. Furthermore, aspirational districts, the Himalayan Mountain Region, North-Eastern States, and Islands are designated as special areas.
The operation of a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra comes with financial incentives. “The incentive amount for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra is Rs.5 lakh (15% of monthly purchase or maximum of Rs.15,000 per month).One-time additional incentive of Rs. 2 lakh as reimbursement for IT and infra expenditure in special categories and areas is also provided,” the ministry said.
