The Government has permitted Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to establish Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) as part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana, managed by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (GOI). This initiative aims to make generic medicines available at affordable rates to rural populations.
Implementation Status
- Online Application Process: PACS are now able to apply online for opening PMBJKs.
- Affordability: PMBJKs will offer generic medicines at prices significantly lower (50%-90% less) than branded medicines in the open market.
- Applications Received: As per data from the Department of Pharmaceuticals (GOI) portal, 4,629 PACS/Cooperative Societies from 34 States/UTs have submitted online applications.
- Initial Approvals: Out of the applications received, 2,475 cooperative societies have received initial approval from the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), Department of Pharmaceuticals (GOI).
- Drug Licenses Issued: From the initial approvals granted, 617 drug licenses have been issued by the State Drug Controllers, allowing these PACS/Cooperative Societies to operate as Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Statement by the Minister
Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, communicated these developments in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the objective of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana?
- A) To promote branded medicines in rural areas
- B) To provide affordable generic medicines to rural citizens
- C) To increase the prices of medicines in the open market
- D) To establish pharmaceutical companies in remote regions
- Answer: B) To provide affordable generic medicines to rural citizens
- How much less are the prices of generic medicines offered by PMBJKs compared to branded medicines in the open market?
- A) 10%-30% less
- B) 30%-50% less
- C) 50%-70% less
- D) 50%-90% less
- Answer: D) 50%-90% less
- How many PACS/Cooperative Societies have submitted online applications for opening PMBJKs?
- A) 3,245
- B) 4,629
- C) 2,475
- D) 617
- Answer: B) 4,629
- How many cooperative societies have received initial approval to operate PMBJKs?
- A) 2,475
- B) 617
- C) 4,629
- D) 34
- Answer: A) 2,475
- Who communicated the developments regarding PACS operating as PMBJKs to the Lok Sabha?
- A) Minister of Health
- B) Minister of Pharmaceuticals
- C) Minister of Cooperation
- D) Minister of Rural Development
- Answer: C) Minister of Cooperation