Indian Railways To Establish Janaushadhi Kendras At More Than 100 Stations, To Promote Health And Wellness

In a bid to elevate the wellness and welfare of passengers frequenting railway stations, Indian Railways introduced a policy framework to set up Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendras (PMBJK) in August 2023.

Initially, a list of 50 stations was earmarked for the pilot project, which commenced operations in March this year.

A senior railway official stated, "It has been decided to allocate an additional 61 PMBJKs at locations across the country with pre-fabrication structures at an individual cost of Rs 12.53 lakh."

The railways aims to provide quality medicines and consumables, known as Janaushadhi products, to meet the needs of millions of daily visitors and passengers at affordable prices. The scheme facilitates easy access to Janaushadhi products for passengers and visitors at railway stations.

"It also enhances wellness and welfare among all sections of society by providing medicines at affordable prices, creating employment opportunities, and generating avenues for entrepreneurs to open PMBJKs," the official added, reports Business Today.

Under this scheme, PMBJKs are recognised as a 'desirable passenger amenity', and accordingly, the railways offers fabricated outlets in circulating areas and concourses of stations for operation. These outlets are strategically located to benefit both incoming and outgoing passengers.

Stalls are allocated through e-auctioning with the respective railway divisions, and successful bidders must obtain the necessary permissions and licences to operate a drug store, adhering to all statutory requirements for drug storage.

Successful bidders of PMBJK outlets are required to enter into an agreement with the nodal agency for PMBJK, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India, and its authorised distributors for the Janaushadhi Scheme before commencing operations.