New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS): The Centre has approved the proposal of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), the implementing agency of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), to invite online applications for opening new Jan Aushadhi Kendras in 651 districts in different states/UTs.

With an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, PMBJP was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, in 2008.

Under this scheme, there are already more than 9,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras functional across the country. The government has set a target to increase the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras to 10,000 by March 2024.

The product basket of PMBJP comprises 1,759 medicines and 280 surgical devices covering all major therapeutic groups.

This scheme provides an opportunity of self-employment with sustainable and regular earnings. Under PMBJP, an incentive of Rs 5 lakh is provided to every Jan Aushadhi Kendra as financial assistance and one-time additional incentive of Rs 2 lakh (as reimbursement for IT and infra expenditure) is provided to each Jan Aushadhi Kendra opened in the Northeastern states, Himalayan areas, island territories and backward areas identified as aspirational districts by NITI Ayog, or if opened by women entrepreneurs, ex-servicemen, divyangs, SCs & STs.