India Healthcare News: Over 2,700 PACS to Operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) Across India to Boost Rural Healthcare Access

A significant step toward improving rural healthcare has been taken with the approval of 2,744 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across India to operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK). This initiative, supported by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, aims to enhance access to affordable, quality medicines in rural and underserved areas.

Among these 2,744 PACS, 785 have already been granted drug licenses by State Drug Controllers, while 716 PACS have received Store Codes from PMBI, signaling their readiness to operate as full-fledged PMBJKs. These centers will offer 2,047 quality generic medicines and around 300 surgical items, covering a wide range of therapeutic groups including Cardiovascular, Anti-cancers, Anti-diabetics, Anti-infectives, Gastro-intestinal medicines, and Nutraceuticals.

Affordable Healthcare for Rural Communities

The initiative has made significant strides in offering essential medicines at 50% to 90% lower prices than branded alternatives, thereby making healthcare more affordable for the rural population. By providing a steady supply of quality generic medicines at significantly reduced rates, the PMBJK scheme is expected to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on rural families and contribute to improving their overall well-being.

In addition to healthcare access, PACS functioning as PMBJKs have diversified their income streams, contributing to their financial stability. According to PMBI, these PACS have collectively purchased medicines worth over Rs. 4.9 Crore from PMBI, which has helped strengthen their financial viability. This success allows PACS to reinvest in other cooperative activities, providing better services to their members and expanding their role in rural economic development.

Expanding PMBJKs Across Underserved Areas

Efforts are underway to expand the number of PACS operating PMBJKs, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The initiative’s implementation is regularly reviewed through meetings between State/UT governments and PMBI to ensure its success. Streamlining the application process, expediting approvals, and training PACS staff on pharmacy operations are part of the ongoing efforts to accelerate the program.

State Governments are also encouraged to identify and support eligible PACS in launching new PMBJKs, thereby further strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure.

This development was shared by the Minister of Cooperation in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, underlining the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access for rural citizens through cooperative initiatives.