10-12 Lakh People Buying Medicines Daily at Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Centers, 215 Centers Opened in Rajasthan

Udaipur: Due to the high level of trust in the medicines available at Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Centers, approximately 10 to 12 lakh people are purchasing medicines from these centers daily. These centers offer medicines at a 50-80% discount off the MRP. To open a center, the government provides an incentive of ₹2 lakh to members of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Divyang (disabled) individuals.

This information was shared by Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Mrs. Anupriya Patel, in response to a question raised by MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat in the Parliament. Dr. Rawat had inquired about the number of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Centers established across the country, including Rajasthan, and whether any financial assistance is being provided for the establishment of centers in hospital premises. Additionally, he sought details on the targets for opening more centers by 2025 and the benefits being provided to the general public through these centers.

In her response, Mrs. Anupriya Patel stated that between 2019-2020 and 2023-2024, a total of 7,484 Jan Aushadhi Centers were opened across the country, with 215 of them in Rajasthan. The owners of these centers are eligible for an incentive of up to ₹20,000 per month, which is 20% of their monthly purchases, provided they maintain a stock of medicines as per certain conditions.

Furthermore, centers opened in Northeast states, hilly regions, island areas, and aspirational districts, or those opened by women entrepreneurs, ex-servicemen, persons with disabilities, or members of SC/ST categories, are provided a one-time incentive of ₹2 lakh for furniture, computers, refrigerators, and other fixtures.

The government has set a target to open 15,000 Jan Aushadhi Centers across the country by March 31, 2025, a goal which has already been achieved. The scheme covers 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical and medical consumables, including drugs for cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, infections, allergies, and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as nutraceuticals.

These medicines are available at a 50-80% lower price compared to branded medicines. Over the past 10 years, medicines worth ₹6,462 crore have been sold through these centers, resulting in an estimated saving of ₹30,000 crore for citizens. On average, 10-12 lakh people visit these centers daily to access affordable and quality medicines. Additionally, sanitary napkins are available at ₹1 per pad to ensure easy access to menstrual health services for women at affordable rates.

To open a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Center, an individual must have a qualification of D. Pharma or B. Pharma, or must have employed a pharmacist with the required qualification and registered with the state licensing authority. The minimum space required for opening a center is 120 square feet, and a registration with the respective state pharmacy council is necessary. For applicants from SC, ST, or Divyang categories, a relevant certificate issued by the concerned authority is required.