Affordable generic medicines under PMBJP
Recently, India will help Ecuador, Nigeria and Panama to provide access to low-cost generic medicines to their citizens through the generic drug scheme.
This will be done by implementing a scheme like Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) out there.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare aims to help these three countries set up Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs). Quality generic medicines will be made available to all from these centres.
PMBJP was started in 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals. Its objective was to provide quality generic medicines to the people at affordable prices.
The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) is responsible for implementing the PMBJP. It was earlier called Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI),
The cost of medicines available under the scheme is 50-90 per cent less than the branded medicines.
There are already more than 9,000 JAKs working across the country. The central government has set a target to increase the number of JAKs to 10,000 by March 2024.
Generic drugs contain the same active ingredient as the branded drug and produce the same therapeutic effect.
These drugs are sold at low prices. Generic drugs cost less to produce because the manufacturer does not have to duplicate the original clinical trials for effectiveness and safety.
Provision for generic drugs under the Patents Act, 2005
Manufacturing and export of generic versions of patented drugs will be allowed under Compulsory License (CL) to meet the major health needs of underdeveloped countries.
Source – Live Mint
