Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra (PMJAK)

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was introduced on April 23, 2008, by the Pharma Advisory Forum. Through this scheme, generic medicines are made available to the general public at affordable prices through retail medical stores known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra.

The Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), formerly known as Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), is responsible for the manufacture, marketing, and quality control of generic pharmaceuticals. 

The medicines are obtained from WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Current Good Manufacturing Practice, and CPSU manufacturers. The mentioned system ensures that the medicines meet the quality standards set by the PMBI.

As of 30 June 2024, 12616 Janaushadhi Kendras are functional across the country, offering more than 2047 drugs and about 300 surgical items.

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana has been launched to achieve the following objectives:

• To reduce the cost of healthcare for each Indian citizen by offering high-quality generic medications at reasonable costs

• To raise public awareness about generic medications

• To encourage consumers to purchase generic drugs through Jan Aushadhi Kendras

• To provide a wide range of commonly used generic medications that cover all major therapeutic categories

• To offer other associated healthcare products to everyone as part of the program

• Individual Entrepreneurs

• Pharmacists

• Doctors

• Registered Medical Practitioners

• NGOs

• Private Hospitals

• Charitable Institutions

• Cooperative Trusts and Societies, 

• Self-help groups and State government-nominated agencies can apply for a Jan Aushadhi Medical Store

For individual applicants, a D.Pharm/B.Pharm degree or employing those with these degrees is a must. The same goes for any organisation or NGO applying for a Jan Aushadhi Medical Store licence.

Online Application Process

1. Visit the Jan Aushadhi website https://janaushadhi.gov.in/online_registration.aspx

2. Scroll down and click on “Click Here to Apply”

3. You will be redirected to the official PMBI registration page https://onlineapp.pmbi.co.in/

4. Register yourself on the portal as instructed. If you are already registered, then use your user id and password to directly log in

5. Fill out the detailed application form and upload the required documents

6. Pay the non-refundable application fee of ₹5,000 through online payment methods like NEFT, RTGS, or UPI. This fee is waived for certain categories such as women entrepreneurs and SC/ST applicants.

7. Submit the application 

Offline Application Process

1. Download the application form from the Jan Aushadhi website

2. Keep ready all necessary documents similar to those required for online submission (Aadhaar, PAN, drug licence, etc.)

3. Fill the form manually, ensuring all details are accurate

4. Send your completed application form along with all required documents to:

Chief Executive Officer,

Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)

8th Floor Videocon Tower, Block E-1,

Jhandewalan Extension,

New Delhi –110055

Tel – 011-49431800

You can also apply through the GST Suvidha Centers operating across the country, that offer an easy platform to proceed with the application process.

The following eligibility is required to apply for a Jan Aushadhi Kendra:

• Individual applicants must have D. Pharma/B. Pharma Degree 

• If it's an organisation/NGO, they must have to employ B. Pharma / D. Pharma degree holders and produce proof of the same

Apart from the eligibility criteria, applicants are required to fulfil the below list of requirements to open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra

• Individuals must have Aadhaar and PAN cards

• Owned space or hired space (min. 120 sq. ft) backed by a proper lease

• Drug licence and other relevant permissions to run a medical store

• Applicants must ensure compliance, including for the storage of medicines

• Charitable institutions/NGOs/hospitals, etc., must submit an Aadhaar card, PAN card, certificate of incorporation, and registration certificate, among other documents

• Government-nominated agency documents include details of the department that has allocated the space along with the supporting documents, i.e., sanction order, PAN card, and Aadhaar card

• Proof of securing a pharmacist with computer skills

• Proof of financial capacity to run the store supported by audited accounts for the last three years

• A non-refundable application fee of ₹5,000. However, women entrepreneurs, Divyang, SC/ST, and other entrepreneurs from aspirational districts are exempt from this fee if they submit relevant proof at the time of application.

Below are the details about the profits and incentives associated with PMJAK:

• Each generic drug's MRP includes a 20% profit for PMJAK retailers and a 10% margin for distributors

• You can receive an annual incentive of up to ₹2.5 Lakhs if your Jan Aushadhi Kendra is linked to the PMBI

• Medications worth ₹50,000 would be provided in advance to store owners who belong under the SC/ST and differently-abled categories

• The store owners will receive compensation of ₹50,000 for the purchase of a computer, printer, etc., and ₹1 Lakh for the purchase of furniture and fixtures

• The store operators will also get compensation of 2% for the loss of expired drugs