India is the second-largest populated country globally, and it has one of the largest healthcare systems. With technological development, the latest infrastructure, multi-specialty facilities, top-notch medication, and more, healthcare in India continues to increase. However, healthcare in rural areas remains a considerable challenge. One of the significant issues is the availability of medicines.
To counter this issue, the Janaushadhi Yojana campaign was launched by the Pharma Advisory Forum. The aim is to provide medicines at reasonable prices in every district in the country.
What is Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Yojana (PM-JAY)?
Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Yojana is a scheme by the Indian Government that makes healthcare affordable and accessible for every citizen. Through the various stores or kendras, you can purchase generic medicines at a low cost and the commonly used surgical consumables. More than 6500 kendras are scattered around multiple districts in the country, with a supply of 8000+ medicines and surgical consumables.
Who is eligible to open a Janaushadhi Yojana Kendra?
If you’re an individual who meets the following criteria, you can open a Janaushadhi Yojana Kendra.
- You possess a B. Pharma or D. Pharma degree.
- You are a medical practitioner with a valid registration
- You are a doctor
What if you don’t meet the above criterion? You can still open a Janaushadhi Kendra by employing someone who has an education in D. Pharma or B. Pharma. Although individuals have permission to start this Kendra at government hospitals, typically, preference is given to charitable organizations and NGOs. If you also fulfill lenders’ business loan eligibility criteria, you also have a greater chance of getting a business loan.
Requirements for opening a Janaushadhi Yojana Kendra
To apply for a Janaushadhi Yojana Kendra, you have to meet specific criteria; they are:
- The person who applies must have a space of a minimum of 120 square feet, with all the necessary legal paperwork in order. Space can be self-owned or rented.
- The name of the pharmacist, along with their registration details.
- Documentation as proof if the person applying is differently-abled or belongs to the SC/ST category.
The application process to open a Janaushadhi Kendra
The steps to open a store are as follows:
1. Offline
You have to download the form from the official Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Yojana website in the offline method. Once you fill it out, you have to send it via postal mail to India’s BBPI or Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings.
2. Online
Log onto the official website, fill out the form and submit it.
As a viable business model, opening a Janaushadhi Kendra is a lucrative opportunity for doctors and individuals. A business loan is readily available to meet the initial capital requirement. With low business loan interest rates, flexibility, quick disbursal, easy approval, and minimal documentation, you can apply anywhere, anytime! If you want to know how much the EMI will be every month, all you need to do is take the help of a business loan EMI calculator.
