Jan Aushadhi Kendras Schemes

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Jan Aushadhi Kendras Schemes — UPSC Study Note

1. At a Glance

2. Why in the News

3. Background & Evolution

4. Core Static Facts

5. Multi-Dimensional Analysis

Economic / Health-Financing - Targets India's high out-of-pocket expenditure (~48% of health spend; medicines the largest component) by substituting branded generics with unbranded generics at fraction price [S1]. - Achieved ₹1,000 cr sales milestone in FY 2023-24, signalling scale economies and reduced drug bill [S5].

Social Equity - Targeted Kendras in Aspirational Districts, NE, Himalayan, Island regions correct urban-rural and regional access gaps [S3]. - Affirmative incentives for women/SC/ST/Divyang entrepreneurs link affordable drugs with livelihood creation [S3].

Administrative / Federalism - Franchise-cum-PPP retail model; online application centrally processed by PMBI — bypasses state licensing delays [S3]. - Railways MoU (2023) to open PMBJKs at select railway stations — inter-ministerial expansion [S6].

Scientific / Quality Assurance - All PMBJP drugs procured only from WHO-GMP & GLP-certified suppliers; tested at NABL-accredited labs before dispatch [S2].

Ethical / Governance - Counters branded-generic price arbitrage and tackles physician prescription bias toward brands — links to NMC's ethical prescription guidelines.

6. Recent Developments (12–18 months)

7. Prelims Hooks

8. Mains Relevance

9. Related Topics to Study Next

10. Common Errors / Trap Areas

11. Sources

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