To open a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK), an initiative under the Government of India’s Jan Aushadhi Scheme, you must follow a systematic procedure. This initiative aims to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to set up a PMBJK:
1. Understanding PMBJK
PMBJKs are retail outlets that sell generic medicines, which are equivalent in quality to branded medicines but sold at a lower cost. The Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) implements the scheme.
2. Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the following eligibility requirements to open a PMBJK:
- Individual Applicants:
- Must be a pharmacist with a valid degree (B. Pharm/D. Pharm).
- Must have valid registration with the State Pharmacy Council.
- Institutions:
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), charitable societies, hospitals, trusts, or government bodies can apply.
- Entrepreneurs:
- Any individual or entity with retail drug licenses can apply.
- Government Agencies:
- State government departments or agencies are also eligible.
3. Required Documents
To apply for a PMBJK, you need to provide:
- Application form (available on the official website of PMBI).
- Proof of identity (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN).
- Proof of address (e.g., electricity bill, rental/lease agreement).
- Pharmacist registration certificate (if applicable).
- Retail drug license.
- Bank account details for financial transactions.
- Rent/ownership agreement for the store premises.
4. Location and Infrastructure Requirements
- Location:
- The store should ideally be located near a hospital, clinic, or a high-footfall area.
- Space:
- A minimum of 120 sq. ft. area is required.
- Setup:
- Basic infrastructure, such as shelves, counters, computer systems, and air conditioning, should be arranged to store medicines properly.
5. Application Process
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Online Submission:
- Visit the official PMBI website (janaushadhi.gov.in).
- Download the application form and guidelines.
- Fill out the form and attach scanned copies of the required documents.
- Submit your application via email or offline to the designated office.
- Application Fee:
- No application fee is charged for the process.
- Processing Time:
- After submission, your application is reviewed and notified of the status within 30–60 days.
6. Financial Assistance
The government offers financial support to help applicants establish the store:
- Incentives:
- A one-time financial assistance of ₹5 lakh is provided, which includes:
- ₹2 lakh for furniture and store setup.
- ₹50,000 for IT and other equipment.
- ₹2.5 lakh for initial working capital.
- Additional incentives of ₹2 lakh are available to stores in special categories (e.g., hilly regions, tribal areas).
- A one-time financial assistance of ₹5 lakh is provided, which includes:
- Reimbursement:
- If you belong to specific categories (SC/ST or differently-abled), the reimbursement cap is higher.
7. Procurement and Stock Management
- Medicines:
- Medicines are supplied directly by PMBI.
- Ordering System:
- Use the PMBI-provided software to place orders and manage inventory.
- Inventory:
- Maintain a stock of essential medicines and products listed under the scheme.
- Discounts:
- Medicines are sold at a discount of up to 50-90% compared to market prices.
8. Compliance and Reporting
- Audits:
- Ensure the store complies with the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.
- Reporting:
- Submit regular sales and inventory reports to PMBI.
- Quality Assurance:
- Only sell products supplied by PMBI to ensure the quality of medicines.
9. Benefits of Opening a PMBJK
- Social Contribution:
- Promote affordable healthcare and improve access to quality medicines.
- Steady Revenue:
- The scheme provides an opportunity for stable income through incentives and sales.
- Brand Support:
- Operate under the government-recognized Jan Aushadhi brand.
10. Challenges
- Initial Setup:
- Finding a suitable location and obtaining a retail drug license may take time.
- Competition:
- Competing with established pharmacies can be challenging initially.
- Awareness:
- Educating customers about generic medicines and building trust requires effort.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I open a store in a rural area?
- Yes, rural areas are encouraged to expand access to affordable healthcare.
- What if I am not a pharmacist?
- You can employ a registered pharmacist to fulfil the requirement.
- How much can I earn?
- Profit depends on sales volume, as PMBJK allows a trade margin of up to 20%.
12. Contact Information
For further assistance, you can contact:
- PMBI Office:
- Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), 8th Floor, Videocon Tower, Block E1, Jhandewalan Extension, New Delhi – 110055
- Website: janaushadhi.gov.in
- Toll-Free Number: 1800-180-8080
By following this guide, you can successfully establish and operate a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra, contributing to affordable healthcare in India.
