2,000 PACS allowed to open PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras to provide affordable medicines

Jan Aushadhi Kendras will also create employment opportunities besides making various medicines available at affordable prices to the people, especially for those living in rural and semi-urban areas.

The Government of India has decided to allow 2000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. The decision was taken in a meeting of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah with Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh S. Mandaviya in New Delhi. Under the decision, 2000 PACS across the country will be identified to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras. 1000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras will be opened by August this year and 1000 by December this year.

It’s a very important decision, which is sure to not just increase the income of PACS, but will also create employment opportunities for the youth. This initiative will also make various medicines available at affordable prices to the people, especially for those living in rural and semi-urban areas.

It is worth noting here that more than 9400 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras have already been opened across the country till now, where lakhs of people are receiving medicines at a very affordable rate.

These stores have 1800 types of medicines and 285 other medical devices. Medicines at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras are available at 50% to 90% lesser rate in comparison to the branded medicines.

The Eligibility Criteria for the Individual applicants to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra is to have D. Pharma or B. Pharma degree. Any organization, NGO, charitable organization and hospital can apply for it if they fulfill the requirements.

To open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra at least 120 square feet space either privately owned or rental should be available. The application fee for Jan Aushadhi Kendra has also been very affordable so that everyone can afford it which is just Rs.5000.

Women Entrepreneurs, Divyang, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Ex-Servicemen come under Special Category when it comes to having Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra. Aspirational Districts, Himalayan Mountain Region, North-Eastern States and Islands are in Special Areas. There is an exemption in application feee for applicants from special categories and special areas.

Moreover, the incentive amount for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra is Rs.5 lakh (15% of monthly purchase or maximum of Rs.15,000 per month). One time additional incentive of Rs. 2 lakh as reimbursement for IT and infra expenditure in special categories and areas is also provided.