The Jan Aushadhi Diwas, also known as Generic Medicine Day, is annually observed across India on 7th March, the last day of the Jan Aushadhi Diwas Week (1st March to 7th March) to create awareness about the usage of generic medicines and the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
- 7th March 2022 marks the observance of the 4th Jan Aushadhi Diwas.
- Jan Aushadhi Diwas week 2022 was observed from 1st March to 7th March 2022.
The day is celebrated by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), under the aegis of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
- The theme of the 4th Janaushadhi Diwas is “Jan Aushadhi-Jan Upyogi”.
Background:
On March 7, 2019, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi declared that the 7th of March would be observed as Jan Aushadhi Diwas every year.
- The first Jan Aushadhi Diwas was celebrated on 7th March 2019.
Event – Jan Aushadhi Diwas Week:
The day-wise activities organised as a part of the Jan Aushadhi Diwas Week are
- 1st March – Jan Aushadhi Sankalp Padyatra
- 2nd March – Matru Shakti Samman / Swabhiman
- 3rd March – Jan Aushadhi Bal Mitra
- 4th March – Jan Aushadhi Jan Jagran Abhiyan
- 5th March – Aao Jan Aushadhi Mitra Bane
- 6th March – Jan Aushadhi Jan Arogya Mela (Health Checkup camps)
- 7th March – Jan Aushadhi Diwas
What is Generic Medicine?
A generic drug is a pharmaceutical drug that contains the same chemical substance as a drug that was originally protected by chemical patents
Generic Medicines are marketed under a non-proprietary or approved name rather than a proprietary or brand name.
They are equally effective and inexpensive compared to their branded counterpart.
A generic drug is a pharmaceutical drug that contains the same chemical substance as a drug that was originally protected by chemical patents.
About Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP):
i.The Jan Aushadhi Scheme was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers(MoC&F), in November 2008 with the aim of ensuring the availability of quality generic medicines at affordable prices for all.
ii.The scheme was relaunched as Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY) in September 2015 and further renamed as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in December 2016.
iii.The product basket of PMBJP comprises 1451 drugs and 240 surgical items.
Objectives:
- Ensure access to quality medicines for all people, especially the poor and deprived
- Create awareness about generic medicines through education and publicity
- Create employment by engaging individual entrepreneurs in opening PMBJP Kendra.
Target: The government has set a target to increase the number of PMBJKs to 10500 by the end of March 2025.
About Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers(MoC&F):
Union Minister– Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (Rajya Sabha- Gujarat)
Minister of State– Bhagwanth Khuba (Constituency- Bidar, Karnataka)
