Latest news with #PradhanMantriBhartiyaJanaushadhiPariyojana


India Today
02-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Same pills, smaller bills: Janaushadhi means savings
As Bihar moves closer to state elections, a strategic shift is underway in its rural healthcare approach, merging policy rollout with political March, the Centre announced that Primary Agricultural Credit Societies across India would operate Janaushadhi Kendras to expand access to affordable generic medicines. Bihar has now joined the ahead of the elections, the Muzaffarpur district administration selected seven PACS to open Janaushadhi outlets in its first phase, with one already licensed and six more in the These centres will make World Health Organisation-certified generic medicines available at prices 50–80 per cent lower than branded alternatives, making essential healthcare more affordable for rural of March 2025, more than 2,300 PACS across 34 states and Union Territories had been approved to operate Janaushadhi Kendras, raising key questions: how evenly are these centres distributed across India, and how much can people save?More kendras, more savingsAs of February 2025, the number of Janaushadhi Kendras operating across the country stood at 16,489, more than doubling from 6,306 outlets in 2019– consistent growth in presence has also led to a sharp rise in sales and consumer savings. In 2019–20, the scheme reported sales of Rs 433.61 crore with citizen savings estimated at Rs 2,500 crore. The following year, 2020–21, saw the number of kendras grow to 7,557, sales jump to Rs 665.83 crore, and estimated savings touch Rs 4,000 crore according to the Janaushadhi annual upward trend continued in 2021–22, with 8,610 kendras and Rs 5,400 crore in savings. By 2023–24, the number of centres increased to 12,616, through which people saved Rs 7,350 of the PriceMedicines that typically cost hundreds or thousands are available at a fraction of the price under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. A price comparison across ten commonly used medicines and medical items shows just how significant the savings can instance, Glibenclamide, a common diabetes drug, is sold for just Rs 5.5 per strip under the scheme, compared to Rs 30 in regular pharmacies, offering a saving of around 82 per cent. A pulse oximeter, often used in respiratory care, an important machine after Covid-19, costs Rs 495 through Janaushadhi but sells for nearly Rs 1,599 in retail, a 69 per cent price cut. Budesonide inhalers used by asthma patients are available for Rs 123 compared to the market average of Rs acetate injections, often prescribed for prostate and breast cancer, cost Rs 1,800 under the scheme, down from the market price of Rs 3,453, a 48 per cent saving. Other drugs show a similar trend. The price gap spans across multiple therapeutic areas: diabetes, oncology, cardiovascular disease, respiratory care, and even surgical consumables, and offers a wide range of 2,047 generic medicines and 300 surgical items, all priced 50 per cent to 80 per cent lower than their branded counterparts.- Ends


India Gazette
18-05-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
From generic drugs to vaccines, Indian pharma industry is transforming lives worldwide
New Delhi [India], May 18 (ANI): India has transformed itself into a global health leader in terms of affordability, innovation, and inclusivity over the past decade. India's pharmaceutical industry is a global giant ranking third in volume and 14th in value. It's the largest supplier of generic medicines providing 20 per cent of the world's supply and a key player in affordable vaccines. In 2023-24, the sector's turnover hit Rs 4,17,345 crore growing steadily at over 10 per cent annually for the past five years. For the common people, this means more medicines at lower prices, better healthcare and jobs in factories and labs across the country. From small towns to big cities, India's pharma growth is creating opportunities and saving lives. The government claims that its schemes are the backbone of this success. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) runs 15,479 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, offering generic medicines at prices up to 80 per cent lower than branded ones. A heart medicine that once cost Rs 500 might now cost Rs 100. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals with Rs 15,000 crore, supports 55 projects to make high-end drugs like cancer and diabetes medicines right here in India. Another PLI scheme with Rs 6,940 crore focuses on raw materials like Penicillin G, reducing our need for imports. The PLI for Medical Devices backed by Rs 3,420 crore is boosting production of tools like MRI machines and heart implants. Then there's the Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks scheme with Rs 3,000 crore building mega hubs in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh to make medicines cheaper and faster. The Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI) Scheme with Rs 500 crore, funds research and upgrades labs, helping Indian companies compete globally. 'These efforts mean medicines are made in India, for India and for the world keeping costs low and quality high,' the government said in a statement. India's pharma sector supplies 55-60 per cent of UNICEF's vaccines, meeting 99 per cent of WHO's DPT (Diphtheria, Whooping cough and Tetanus) vaccine demand, 52 per cent for BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin is a vaccine primarily used against TB), and 45 per cent for measles. From Africa to America, Indian vaccines save millions. At home, these schemes create jobs for young Indians, from factory workers to scientists. Foreign investors are pouring in with Rs 12,822 crore in 2023-24 alone, because they see India's potential. India welcomes 100 per cent foreign investment in medical devices and greenfield pharma projects, making India a hotspot for global companies. India's pharmaceutical sector is more than an industry; it's a lifeline. With schemes like PMBJP, PLI, and Bulk Drug Parks, the Modi government is ensuring no one is left behind when it comes to healthcare. From affordable medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendras to vaccines reaching the world, India is building a healthier, self-reliant future. (ANI)


Time of India
12-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Medicine supply: HLL inks deal with Maldives govt
T'puram: HLL Lifecare signed a strategic partnership with the govt of Maldives for supply of essential medicines. State Trading Organization Plc (STO), a govt of Maldives enterprise responsible for the import and distribution of essential goods, signed the agreement with HLL under India's Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), a govt initiative aimed at providing affordable, high-quality medicines to the partnership ensures a continuous and affordable supply of essential medicines to every corner of the Maldives. Over the past year, the Maldives' health system faced challenges with frequent stock-outs of vital pharmaceuticals, disrupting patient care and placing significant strain on Aasandha, the national health insurance imports restored 99% of the availability of essential medicines by April, but short-term solutions alone cannot ensure sustainable access. This agreement with HLL turns emergency relief into a permanent supply solution. This history of collaboration gives STO confidence that HLL can meet its needs. TNN


India Gazette
10-05-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
India and Maldives strengthen healthcare partnership through supply of medicines by HLL under PMBJP Scheme
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], May 10 (ANI): In a crucial association, India has committed its support to the Maldives by ensuring the supply of essential medicines through HLL Lifecare Limited - a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare - solidifying the growing healthcare collaboration between the two nations. According to a release, in line with this initiative, the State Trading Organization Plc (STO) - a Government of Maldives enterprise responsible for the import and distribution of essential goods - has signed a strategic agreement with HLL under India's Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), a government initiative aimed at providing affordable, high-quality medicines to the public. This partnership ensures a continuous and affordable supply of essential medicines to every corner of the Maldives. As per the release, over the past year, the Maldives' health system has faced challenges with frequent stock-outs of vital pharmaceuticals, disrupting patient care and placing significant strain on Aasandha, the national health insurance scheme. Emergency imports restored 99 percent of the availability of essential medicines by April, but short-term solutions alone cannot ensure sustainable access. This agreement with HLL turns emergency relief into a permanent supply solution. According to HLL has proven to be a dependable partner during past crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HLL supplied critical medical supplies to the Maldives, demonstrating its capacity to quickly and efficiently manage large-scale exports. This history of collaboration gives STO confidence that HLL can meet both current and future needs. By linking with HLL's extensive Janaushadhi network, which provides over 2,000 quality-assured generics and 300 surgical items, the Maldives taps into one of the world's most efficient pharmaceutical supply chains. (ANI)


Hans India
10-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
India and Maldives strengthen healthcare partnership
Thiruvananthapuram: In a crucial association, India has committed its support to the Maldives by ensuring the supply of essential medicines through HLL Lifecare Limited - a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, solidifying the growing healthcare collaboration between the two nations. In line with this initiative, the State Trading Organization Plc (STO) - a Government of Maldives enterprise responsible for the import and distribution of essential goods - has signed a strategic agreement with HLL under India's Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), a government initiative aimed at providing affordable, high-quality medicines to the public. This partnership ensures a continuous and affordable supply of essential medicines to every corner of the Maldives. Over the past year, the Maldives' health system has faced challenges with frequent stock-outs of vital pharmaceuticals, disrupting patient care and placing significant strain on Aasandha, the national health insurance scheme. Emergency imports restored 99 per cent of the availability of essential medicines by April, but short-term solutions alone cannot ensure sustainable access. This agreement with HLL turns emergency relief into a permanent supply solution. HLL has proven to be a dependable partner during past crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HLL supplied critical medical supplies to the Maldives, demonstrating its capacity to quickly and efficiently manage large-scale exports. This history of collaboration gives STO confidence that HLL can meet both current and future needs. By linking with HLL's extensive Janaushadhi network, which provides over 2,000 quality-assured generics and 300 surgical items, the Maldives taps into one of the world's most efficient pharmaceutical supply chains. Established in 1966 and with its headquarters in the state capital city, HLL has come a long way as part of the implementation of the Family Planning Programme under the Ministry of Health & Family welfare and a contraceptive making company, it is now a total healthcare company and in its growth trajectory, it has won numerous accolades not only from the government but at international level too. Currently, there are close to 10,000 employees in various categories at HLL, which include 3,900 direct employees and the rest comprises contract third-party and laboratory staff. The HLL have, by now, supplied medical devices to various medical institutions in 29 states and seven Union Territories. It ended the previous fiscal with a turnover of Rs 5,081 crore and had a profit of Rs 112 crore.