2,000 PACs to open PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras by year-end: Centre

“As many as 2,000 PACS will be identified to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras. As many as 1,000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras will be opened by August and 1,000 by December, this year,” the ministry said in a statement.

“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 people, especially those living in rural areas,” the statement said.

The Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Fertilisers and other senior officers of the Ministry of Cooperation and Department of Chemicals and Fertilisers were also present at the meeting.

“More than 9,400 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been opened across the country till now. Over 1,800 types of medicines and 285 other medical devices are available in these Jan Aushadhi Kendras,” the statement said.

“Medicines at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras are available at 50% to 90% lesser rate in comparison to the branded medicines,” the statement said.

“The incentive amount for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra is Rs.5 lakh (15% of monthly purchase or 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 statement said.