Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025

Why in News?

The second day of 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025 was observed under the theme “Jan Aushadhi – Virasat Ke Saath” on March 2, 2025.
Heritage walks were conducted at 25 historical sites across India to promote awareness about affordable healthcare and Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Over 500 free health camps (Jan Arogya Melas) were organized, focusing on senior citizens’ healthcare needs.

Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)

Key Highlights of the Event

25 Heritage Walks were conducted to promote Jan Aushadhi across the country.
500 Jan Arogya Melas were organized at Jan Aushadhi Kendras nationwide with free medical services like: Blood pressure checks, Blood sugar level tests, Doctor consultations, etc.
The event primarily focused on raising awareness about generic medicines under the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
The government has planned to extend the Jan Aushadhi Kendra’s across the country by over 25,000 within March 31, 2027.
March 7 is observed annually as Jan Aushadhi Diwas to promote generic medicines and affordable healthcare.

Significance

It improves awareness about affordable generic medicines to reduce healthcare costs.
It also aims to encourage public participation in health and wellness initiatives through heritage-linked awareness campaigns.

About Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras:

It was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.
Objective of the program: It aims to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices for all.
Jan Aushadhi Kendras also sells therapeutic medicines, including those available in normal chemist shops.
The Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) coordinates the procurement, supply, and marketing of generic drugs through the PMBKs.

Prelims Question:

Consider the following statements:

Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY) and Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana are two different initiatives under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana is one of a kind initiative that was first launched in 2016.
Under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, quality generic medicines are made available for the poor.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only two statements

(b) Only one statement

Ans: (b) Only one statement (Option 3- Under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, quality generic medicines are made available for the poor).

Explanation: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana was launched in 2008 as “Jan Aushadi Medical Store.” It was later re-launched in 2015 as “Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY)”, and in 2016, it was again renamed as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadi Pariyojana. (Hence, Option 1 and 2 are incorrect.)