Cooperative Societies to Operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras for Affordable Medicine Access

New Delhi:  The Government of India has granted permission for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana, a Department of Pharmaceuticals initiative under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. This move enables PACS to apply online for the establishment of PMBJKs, allowing them to provide generic medicines at significantly lower prices to rural citizens.

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana aims to make quality generic medicines accessible and affordable to all. Medicines available at PMBJKs are priced between 50% to 90% less than their branded counterparts in the open market.

As of now, 4,629 PACS and Cooperative Societies from 34 States and Union Territories have submitted online applications on the Department of Pharmaceuticals portal for the PMBJK initiative. Out of these, 2,475 cooperative societies have received initial approval from the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals. Among the initial approvals, 617 drug licenses have been issued by State Drug Controllers, signifying their readiness to function as Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

The Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, conveyed this information in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. This initiative not only expands the reach of affordable medicines in rural areas but also empowers cooperative societies to play a vital role in healthcare accessibility for citizens.