NEPAL SEEKS INDIA’S AID FOR JAN AUSHADHI KENDRAS SETUP

Why in the news?

  • Nepal has approached India to establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras in their country, following a similar initiative in Mauritius.
  • The aim is to provide Nepalese citizens access to affordable ‘Made in India’ generic medicines through these outlets.
source:indiamap

About Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP):

  • PMBJP is a scheme by the Indian Central government.
  • Launched as Jan Aushadhi Scheme in 2008, revamped as Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY) in 2015, and renamed Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in 2016.
  • Implementing Agency: Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, established in 2008.
  • It ensures availability of quality generic medicines at lower costs via dedicated outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK).
  • Currently, India operates over 10,000 PMBJKs nationwide, benefiting a large population with affordable healthcare options.
What are generic medicines ?

  • Definition: Medication with identical active ingredient and therapeutic effect as brand-name drug.
  • Similarities: Dosing, safety, strength, quality, usage, and bioequivalence to brand-name drugs.
  • Market Entry: Sold after brand-name patent expiration, often at lower cost.
  • Differences: May contain different inactive ingredients compared to brand-name counterparts.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/the-cost-of-cheap-drugs/

https://universalinstitutions.com/q-discuss-the-measures-needed-to-ensure-the-accessibility-and-quality-of-pharmaceuticals-considering-the-withdrawal-of-the-nmcs-directive-on-generic-prescribing-and-the-role-of-various-stakeholders/