Jan Aushadhi Kendra: The central government has decided to allow 2,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to open 'Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras' across the country. The move by the Cooperation Ministry holds significance as medicines at these Kendras are available at a 50 to 90% lesser rate in comparison to the branded medicines. In a statement, the ministry said that around 1,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras will be opened by August, the rest by December this year.
A decision in this regard was taken in a meeting between Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. "This important decision will not only increase the income of PACS and create employment opportunities but will also make medicines available at affordable prices to the people, especially those living in rural areas," the statement read.
The incentive amount for Jan Aushadhi Kendra is Rs 5 lakh (15 per cent of monthly purchases or a maximum of Rs 15,000 per month). One time additional incentive of Rs 2 lakh as reimbursement for IT and infra expenditure in special categories and areas is also provided, the ministry added.
Eligibility criteria for opening Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra
The ministry said the eligibility criteria for the individual applicants to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra is to have D Pharma/B Pharma. Any organisation, NGO, charitable organisation and hospital can apply for this by appointing B Pharma / D Pharma degree holders.
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How much is application fee for Kendra?
For opening Jan Aushadhi Kendra, at least 120 square feet of space either privately owned or rental should be available. The application fee for Kendra is Rs 5,000. Women entrepreneurs, divyang, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and ex-servicemen come under special category. Aspirational districts, the Himalayan Mountain Region, Northeastern States and islands are in special areas. There is an exemption in the application fee for applicants from special categories and special areas.
(With inputs from PTI)
