The Government of India has decided to allow 2000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan-Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) across the country, a statement from the Ministry of Cooperation said on Tuesday. This was decided in a meeting held between Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah with Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Mansukh S. Mandaviya in New Delhi.

According to the Ministry, over 9400 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras have opened so far across the country where 1800 types of generic medicines and 285 other medical devices are available. The medicines at PMBJK are available at 50% to 90% lesser rate in comparison to the branded medicines.

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It also informed that 1000 PMBJK will be opened by August and 1000 by December, this year. 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 the people, especially those living in rural areas, it added.

The Eligibility Criteria to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra:

1. Individual must have D. Pharma/B. Pharma. Any organization, NGO, charitable organization and hospital can apply for this by appointing B.Pharma / D.Pharma degree holders.
2. At least 120 square feet space either privately owned or rental should be available.
3. The application fee for Jan Aushadhi Kendra is Rs.5000. There is an exemption in application fee for applicants from special categories and special areas. Women Entrepreneurs, Divyang, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Ex-Servicemen come under Special Category. Aspirational Districts, Himalayan Mountain Region, North-Eastern States and Islands are in Special Areas.

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.

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