The Jan Aushadhi Kendra scheme, launched by the indian government, has become a game-changer in providing affordable medicines to citizens. Now, the government has made it even easier for individuals to open Jan Aushadhi Kendras by abolishing the minimum distance restriction in metro cities and towns with a population of over 10 lakh. This opens up new opportunities for entrepreneurs, especially in urban and densely populated areas, to be a part of this public welfare initiative.

If you're thinking of opening a Jan Aushadhi Kendra in your locality, here's everything you need to know, including the process, financial benefits, and the support you will receive from the government.

What is a Jan Aushadhi Kendra?

The Jan Aushadhi Kendra is part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the general public. These centers sell generic medicines, which are a much cheaper alternative to branded drugs, without compromising on quality. By doing so, they help reduce the financial burden on families who are unable to afford expensive medicines.

Changes in the Guidelines: No Minimum Distance Requirement

Earlier, the government had a minimum distance rule that restricted the setting up of Jan Aushadhi Kendras within a certain radius of an existing Kendra. However, the government has now abolished this rule, especially in metro cities and cities with populations over 10 lakh. This means that more people in urban areas can open and access these medicine stores, improving the availability of affordable medicines.

How to Open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra?

Opening a Jan Aushadhi Kendra is simple and the government provides financial and operational support to make it a success. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting one up:

1. Eligibility Criteria

To open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra, the following criteria need to be met:

· Applicant: Anyone, including individuals, NGOs, or institutions, can apply, but preference is given to those with healthcare backgrounds or experience in running a medical store.

· Location: It should be in a commercial area that is easily accessible by the general public.

· Infrastructure: The Kendra should have a minimum of 120-150 square feet of space. The location should also have adequate storage and display space.

· Investment: The applicant must be able to cover the initial setup costs, which the government partially funds.

2. application Process

Here’s how you can apply to open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra:

· Step 1: Visit the official Jan Aushadhi website or the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of india (BPPI) website to download the application form.

· Step 2: Fill out the application form with necessary details like your personal information, location details, and any experience in managing a medical store.

· Step 3: Submit the application form online or at the nearby Jan Aushadhi center.

· Step 4: Once your application is reviewed and approved, the government will provide you with an authorization letter to set up the store.

3. Financial Assistance and Support

The government provides the following financial and operational support:

· Initial Investment: The government will provide an interest-free loan of up to Rs 2 lakh to cover the initial inventory cost and set up the store.

· Subsidy on Medicines: The BPPI supplies medicines at a discounted rate, which allows you to sell them at affordable prices and make a profit.

· Free Medicine Supply: You will receive free supply of medicines from the BPPI for the first few months, making it easier to start without a large initial inventory investment.

· Profit Margin: The profit margin for the medicines sold at a Jan Aushadhi Kendra can vary, but it typically ranges from 12-15%, depending on the type of medicine.

4. Training and Support

The government offers training programs for all applicants to help them manage and operate the Jan Aushadhi Kendra efficiently. These training sessions cover:

· Inventory management.

· Medicinal knowledge to help you explain the benefits of generic drugs to customers.

· Business operations, including stock management and pricing strategy.

What Are the Earning Potential and Benefits?

The financial benefit of opening a Jan Aushadhi Kendra is quite promising, especially in urban areas where the demand for affordable medicines is high. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

· Initial Investment Recovery: The initial setup and inventory costs will be recovered within 6-12 months depending on the location and customer footfall.

· Profit from Sales: With 12-15% profit margin, you can earn anywhere between ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month depending on the volume of medicines sold.

· Government Incentives: In addition to profits from medicine sales, the government offers performance-based incentives, and you may receive bonuses or additional support if your Kendra performs well.

· Long-term Income: Once established, a Jan Aushadhi Kendra can be a steady source of income as the demand for affordable medicines will continue to rise.

What You Need to Know About Selling Medicines

· Medicine Supply: The medicines provided by the BPPI are 100% tested for quality and are sourced from trusted manufacturers. These include essential drugs and life-saving medicines at lower prices than branded medicines.

· Customer Awareness: One of the key responsibilities is to educate customers about the benefits of using generic medicines instead of costly branded alternatives.

· Stock Management: You’ll need to manage the stock levels carefully, ensuring the medicines are available as per the demand, but also ensuring that there’s no overstocking of medicines with short expiry dates.

Conclusion

The Jan Aushadhi Kendra scheme is not just a business opportunity, but also a way to contribute to society by offering affordable healthcare solutions to the public. With the recent changes in the guidelines, opening a Kendra has become more accessible, especially in cities with a larger population.

By providing high-quality medicines at affordable prices, you not only stand to earn a good income but also become an important part of India’s healthcare ecosystem.

If you're looking for a rewarding business venture with the added satisfaction of social impact, opening a Jan Aushadhi Kendra could be the perfect opportunity.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.