The central government has abolished the minimum distance rule for opening new affordable drug shops Jan Aushadhi Kendra in metros and densely populated cities. This decision of the Indian Drug and Medical Equipment Bureau (PMBI) has come into force from 10 September. Its aim is to provide cheap generic medicines to people. The government aims to open 25,000 stores in the country by 31 March 2027. At present, 17,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are running, where 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical goods are available.
According to media reports, by loosening the distance rule, new centers will be able to open quickly in congested urban areas and medicines will be available more equally. The official said that many people wanted to open the center in their cities, but were not able to do so due to the minimum distance rule. Now with changing the rules, two or more centers will be able to open two or more centers close to seven big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.
Removed the condition of one kilometer
Similarly, in 46 and cities with more than 10 lakh population, one kilometer condition has been removed, but if a new center is being opened near the place where a center is open within the last two years, then the rule of distance will remain in force until two years are completed. At present, the minimum distance of one kilometer will continue in all other cities and towns.
Generic medicines are cheaper up to 90%
According to the report, the facility of opening many centers in high demand areas will increase the availability of cheaper medicines. Generic medicines are cheaper by 50-90% from branded drugs, which will save people directly. In this detail, new entrepreneurs will get work and employment opportunities will also increase. The Prime Minister is a major scheme of the Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Project (PMBJP) Government, which aims to provide good quality medicines at low prices.
You get 20 thousand rupees every month
Under the scheme, the government provides a monthly incentive amount of up to ₹ 20,000 and lump sum of up to ₹ 2 lakh for opening centers in particular areas or classes. To ensure the quality of medicines, all mass medicines are purchased from the same companies that follow the WHO-GMP (standard of the World Health Organization). The statement is awaited by the Pharmaceutical Department.