Lok Sabha Question No. 1373 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: Setting up of Jan Aushadhi Kendras
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Rajeshbhai Naranbhai Chudasama

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1373 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9 th  February, 2024

## Setting up of Jan Aushadhi Kendras

## 1373. SHRI RAJESHBHAI CHUDASAMA:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) the total number of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras set up in the country, during the last five years, year-wise;
- (b) whether the Government is providing a financial assistance of up to rupees five lakhs in case of the Kendras being set up within the hospital premises;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the total number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras targeted to be set up in the country, by the year 2024; and
- (e) the details of benefits being extended to the common people of the country through Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI BHAGWANTH KHUBA)

(a):  Details of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) opened across the country during the last five financial years are as under:

| Sl. No.   | Financial Year   | Number of PMBJKs opened   | Number of PMBJKs opened   |
|-----------|------------------|---------------------------|---------------------------|
| Sl. No.   | Financial Year   | Yearly Addition           | Cumulative                |
| 1.        | 2018-19          | 1834                      | 5140                      |
| 2.        | 2019-20          | 1166                      | 6306                      |
| 3.        | 2020-21          | 1251                      | 7557                      |
| 4.        | 2021-22          | 1053                      | 8610                      |
| 5.        | 2022-23          | 694                       | 9304                      |

- (b) & (c): The Government is providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs in the following manner: -

Normal Incentive: The Kendras run by entrepreneurs of any class that are linked with PMBI through software get incentive up to Rs. 5.00 Lakh. The incentive is given @ 15% of monthly purchase made from PMBI by these Kendra subject to a ceiling of Rs. 15,000/- per month up to total limit of Rs. 5.00 Lakh.

Additional  Incentive: In  respect  of  the  Kendras  opened  in  backward  areas  mentioned  as aspirational districts by NITI Aayog and in Himalayan, Island territories and North-Eastern

States, an amount of Rs. 2.00 lakh in addition to normal incentives are given to entrepreneurs as under:

- i.  Rs. 1.50 lakh reimbursement of furniture and fixtures
- ii. Rs. 0.50 lakh as reimbursement for computer, internet, printer, scanner etc.

Special Incentive: The Kendras run by women entrepreneurs, Ex-servicemen, Divyang, SC & ST get an amount of Rs. 2.00 lakh as special incentive, in addition to normal incentives as applicable. This is given to entrepreneurs as follows: -

- i.     Rs. 1.50 lakh reimbursement for furniture and fixtures
- ii.    Rs. 0.50 lakh as reimbursement for computer, internet, printer, scanner etc.
3. (d):     As per vision targets, 10,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras were to be opened in the country by March, 2024. Against the same, 10624 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have already been opened till 31.01.2024.
4. (e):      PMBJP, a noble initiative by Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, is now making an impact on common masses in its endeavour to provide quality medicines at an affordable price. The price of Jan Aushadhi medicines are cheaper at least by 50% and in some cases, by 80% to 90% of the market price of branded medicines available in the market. Product basket of PMBJP presently comprises 1965 medicines and 293 surgicals/consumables.

To ensure easy availability of sanitary pads, Government has launched the Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins at Rs. 1/- per pad. These pads are being sold through more than 10,500 Jan Aushadhi kendras opened across the country. Since inception till 31.01.2024, 50.72 crore Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Pads have been sold at Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

On  an  average  10-12  lakh  people  visit  Jan  Aushadhi  Kendras  (JAKs)  daily  and  avail substantial benefits. In the last 09 years, sale of medicines done through Kendras has led to estimated savings of more than  Rs. 28,000 crore to the citizens as compared to the branded medicines.

Further, PMBJP is also providing good source of self-employment with sustainable and regular earnings. This has provided direct source of sustainable livelihood to more than 21000 educated youth of the country by engaging them in the scheme.

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