The Government of India has enabled Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) to provide affordable generic medicines in rural areas.
This initiative, under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana, aims to enhance healthcare access in underserved regions.
With a vast rural network of over 13 crore small and marginal farmers, PACS can utilize their existing infrastructure – including land, buildings, and storage facilities – to establish and run Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
These centers will serve as affordable medicine hubs, ensuring that rural citizens have access to low-cost healthcare.
The trust and relationship that PACS have built with rural communities further strengthen the initiative’s success.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals administers this scheme and offers financial incentives:
Kendras receive 20% of their monthly purchases from the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), up to ₹20,000 per month, subject to stock mandates.
Owners of Kendras earn a 20% margin on MRP (excluding taxes) for each drug sold.
Kendras can also sell allied medical products, ensuring sustainability and profitability.
This initiative aligns with the National Health Policy, which aims to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare.
By providing affordable medicines, the government is reducing medical expenses for small and marginal farmers, allowing them to invest more in agricultural productivity.
Additionally, this move creates employment opportunities at the PACS level and provides an extra revenue stream for these cooperative societies.
The widespread PACS network will help expand Jan Aushadhi Kendra services to a larger rural population, strengthening the rural healthcare system.
Union Minister Amit Shah shared this information in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
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