The Jan Aushadhi Diwas (Generic Medicine Day) is annually observed across India on 7th March to create awareness about the importance of Generic Medicines and to highlight the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
- 7th March 2024 marks the observance of 6th Jan Aushadhi Diwas.
Background:
i.On 7th March 2019, the Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi declared the 7th March of every year as Jan Aushadhi Diwas.
ii.The first ever Jan Aushadhi Diwas was observed on 7th March 2019.
Key Points:
i.The Jan Aushadhi Diwas is annually organised by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), under the aegis of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers (MoC&F).
ii.Jan Aushadhi Diwas is observed on the final day of Jan Aushadhi Week.
- The first week of March (1st March to 7th March) is annually observed as the Janaushadhi Week.
About PMBJP:
i.PMBJP is a campaign launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in 2008 in the 11th Five-Year Plan (FYP/ 2008-12).
ii.PMBJP aims to provide quality generic medicines at an affordable price.
iii.The Scheme is operated by both government agencies as well as by private entrepreneurs.
iv.Under this scheme, dedicated outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) are established to provide generic medicines at affordable prices.
- Medicines available under PMBJP are priced 50%-90% less than that of branded prices.
v.The government has set a target to increase the number of PMBJKs to 10,500 by March 2025.
vi.As of November 2023, 10000 Janaushadhi Kendras are functional across India. The product basket of PMBJP comprises 1965 drugs and 293 surgical items.
vii.The Scheme is implemented by a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, viz., PMBI (erstwhile Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI)).
viii.All drugs procured under the scheme undergo quality assurance testing at the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) – accredited laboratories and comply with World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO GMP) standards.
What is Generic Medicine?
i.A generic drug is a pharmaceutical drug that contains the same chemical substance as a drug that was originally protected by chemical patents
ii.Generic Medicines are marketed under a non-proprietary or approved name rather than a proprietary or brand name.
iii.They are equally effective and inexpensive compared to their branded counterpart.
About Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers (MoC&F):
Union Minister – Mansukh Mandaviya (Rajya Sabha – Gujarat)
Union Minister of State (MoS) – Bhagwanth Khuba (Constituency: Bidar, Karnataka)
