Introduction
In a significant announcement on India’s 77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of the Jan Aushadhi Kendra program in providing affordable medicines to the people. He stated that the government’s goal is to increase the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras from the existing 9,884 to 25,000 across the country. This expansion aims to not only enhance the availability of generic drugs but also provide a lucrative business opportunity for individuals.
The Growth of Jan Aushadhi Kendras
The Jan Aushadhi Kendra program has played a vital role in ensuring access to low-cost medicines for the general public. The initial target set by the government was to establish 10,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by March 2024, a goal that has already been achieved. During the nine years of the Modi government, the number of these centers has increased significantly from a mere 80 in 2014 to 9,884.
“The government’s plan is to increase the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras from 10,000 to 25,000, providing affordable generic medicines for all.” – PM Modi
Making Medicines Affordable
During his speech, PM Modi emphasized the financial burden faced by individuals with conditions such as diabetes, who have to spend approximately ₹3,000 monthly on medication. By making medicines available at Jan Aushadhi Kendras, the government aims to provide these essential drugs at a fraction of the cost, ranging from ₹10-15.
Opening Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Every Neighborhood
With the government on track to fulfill its original target, Prime Minister Modi has set a new goal of establishing more than double the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras. This means that these centers will soon be present in almost every neighborhood, providing easy access to affordable generic medicines. Functioning like small medical stores, opening a Jan Aushadhi Kendra requires fulfilling certain conditions, but it offers the potential for substantial earnings.
Eligibility to Open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra
Opening a Jan Aushadhi Kendra is not limited to a specific category of individuals. In the first category, anyone, including unemployed pharmacists, doctors, or registered medical practitioners, can open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra. The second category includes trusts, NGOs, and private hospitals. The third category allows agencies nominated by state governments to open these centers. Under the PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra scheme, individuals from special categories and areas are eligible for financial assistance of up to ₹50,000 for advance purchase of medicines.
Licensing Requirements
To open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra, the first step is to obtain a “Retail Drug Sales” license. The application form for this license can be downloaded from the official website. The earnings from the sale of medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendras include a commission of up to 20%. Additionally, a monthly incentive of 15% is provided based on sales. The government also provides financial assistance of up to ₹2.5 lakh for furniture and other requirements, such as purchasing computers and printers for billing purposes.
Application Process and Fees
To apply for opening a PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra, a fee of ₹5,000 is required. It is important to note that applicants must possess a D. Pharma or B. Pharma certificate. Furthermore, adequate space for the center, with an area of approximately 120 square feet, is necessary. During the application process, certain categories and applicants from specific regions are eligible for fee waivers. Documents such as Aadhaar card, pharmacist registration certificate, PAN card, valid mobile number, and proof of residence are required for the application.
“The online application process for opening a PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra is simple and can be completed on the official website.” – PM Modi
Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process
To initiate the application process for opening a Jan Aushadhi Kendra, follow these steps:
1. Visit the official website janaushadhi.gov.in https://janaushadhi.gov.in.
2. On the homepage, click on the “Apply For Kendra” option in the menu.
3. On the new page, click on the “Click Here To Apply” option.
4. The “Sign in” form will appear, choose the “Register now” option below it.
5. Fill in the required information in the registration form.
6. Select the state in the respective box and enter the confirm password in the ID-password section.
7. Tick the terms and conditions checkbox and click on the “Submit” option.
8. Your online application for a PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra will be complete.