Government supports Janaushadhi Kendras with easy loans | Fusion - WeRIndia

In a significant move to make quality medicines accessible to all, the Indian government is now facilitating easier loan access for opening Janaushadhi Kendras across the country.

These centres are part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). The PMBJP is a campaign initiated by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers in 2008.

The main goal is to offer medicines at substantially lower prices than the market, through these specialized outlets.

To encourage the expansion of Janaushadhi Kendras, the government is providing loans at affordable rates.

The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India says that individuals interested in opening these pharmacies can apply through the Janaushadhi Kendra website.

The application process has been simplified to ensure more people can participate in this initiative.

After receiving initial approval and securing a drug licence, applicants can then avail of a loan of up to ₹4 lakh from the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).

This financial support, facilitated through the GST Sahayak platform, aims to cover essential startup costs, which are not funded by other means. Some of them are furniture, computers, and printers.

The interest rates for these loans have been kept reasonable, ranging between 11 to 12 per cent. This initiative not only assists in setting up the infrastructure but also in managing the inventory.

A Memorandum of Understanding with SIDBI ensures that funds are available for stocking up on medicines, ensuring that these centres can immediately start serving the community.

This initiative represents a crucial step towards achieving the goal of affordable healthcare for all.

By reducing the financial barriers to opening Janaushadhi Kendras, the government aims to increase the availability of low-cost medicines.

This move is expected to benefit not just prospective shop owners but the wider public, especially those in underserved areas, making healthcare more accessible and affordable.

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