Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India, Cooperative sector to open Jan Aushadhi Kendras to increase medicines access in rural areas

The government launched Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) under which Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) are opened by inviting applications from individual entrepreneurs, NGOs, Societies, Trusts, Firms, and Private Companies etc. While opening these Kendras, 1 km distance is maintained between two Kendras. Online applications have been invited from all districts. This process facilitates opening of Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) at the block as well as at the district level. There is no State/UT-wise target for opening of new JAKs.

Jan Aushadhi medicines are being supplied to Central Government Health Scheme dispensaries, various AIIMS, Hospitals, etc. based on their demand. All JAK owners are eligible for an incentive @ 20% of monthly purchases made by them, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 20,000/- per month. In addition, a one-time incentive of Rs. 2.00 lakh is provided to the JAKs opened in North-Eastern States, Himalayan areas, Island territories, and areas mentioned as aspirational districts by NITI Aayog or opened by women entrepreneurs, ex-servicemen, Divyang, SC & ST in the form of support towards furniture, computers, refrigerators, and other fixtures. For operational support, there are State-wise Marketing Officers who support applicants in obtaining Drug licenses and supply of medicines to JAKs by the distributor and warehouse network of Jan Aushadhi.

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