Jan Aushadhi Kendras revolutionize healthcare in India

Why in news?

The Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare recently launched a credit assistance program for Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAK), with the goal of improving access to affordable medicines throughout India.
As part of this initiative, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was inked between the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), aimed at extending financial aid and fostering infrastructure development for JAKs.

What are Jan Aushadhi Kendras?
- Jan Aushadhi Kendras are government-backed pharmacies established under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme.
- These Kendras serve as exclusive outlets for providing generic medicines at prices substantially lower than branded alternatives.
Mission of PMBJP:
- Originally launched as the Jan Aushadhi Scheme and later revamped as the PMBJP, this initiative aims to ensure the availability of quality medicines at affordable prices, particularly benefiting the economically disadvantaged sections of society.
Benefits of Jan Aushadhi Kendras:
- Increased Affordability: By offering generic medicines at reduced prices, JAKs have brought down healthcare costs significantly, leading to substantial savings for citizens.
- Enhanced Access: These Kendras have bridged the gap in medicine accessibility, especially in remote and underserved areas, catering to the healthcare needs of millions.
- Promotion of Rational Medicine Use: Through counseling and information dissemination, JAKs promote the judicious use of medicines, thereby minimizing misuse and overuse.
- Expanding Reach: From a modest beginning with 80 Kendras in 2014, the PMBJP has expanded exponentially, with around 11,000 operational Kendras nationwide. The government has set an ambitious target of reaching 25,000 Kendras in the next two years, underscoring its commitment to extending healthcare coverage.

To further bolster the Jan Aushadhi Kendras’ reach and impact, the government has introduced the Credit Assistance Program.
This program aims to provide financial support to operators and entrepreneurs running JAKs across the country.
Key Highlights of the Credit Assistance Program:
- Partnership with SIDBI: Through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), the program seeks to provide credit and infrastructure development assistance.
- Utilization of GST and DPI: Leveraging India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Goods and Services Tax (GST), the program offers unsecured working capital loans to small businesses, facilitating the establishment and maintenance of JAKs.
- Empowerment and Access: By extending financial support, the program aims to empower small entrepreneurs, enhance the accessibility of affordable medicines, and strengthen the overall healthcare ecosystem in India.

India’s commitment to affordable healthcare extends beyond Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Several other initiatives, including:
- Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
- National Health Mission (NHM)
- Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana
- Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
- Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
- Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN)
- Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Deendayal Outlets
These initiatives collectively strive towards the overarching goal of ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare services for all citizens of India.

India’s Jan Aushadhi Kendras, supported by initiatives like the Credit Assistance Program, signify a paradigm shift in the country’s healthcare landscape.
By making quality medicines affordable and accessible, these endeavors are not just addressing the immediate healthcare needs but also paving the way for a healthier, more prosperous nation.
With continued efforts and strategic partnerships, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in affordable healthcare solutions, setting an inspiring example for nations around the world.