The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Jagat Prakash Nadda, while replying in the Lok Sabha, informed that as of October 21, over 14,000 PMBJKs had been set up to provide high-quality generic medicines at highly affordable prices.

Key HighlightsExpansion of PMBJK Centers:

• More than 14,000 PMBJK outlets have been set up under the PMBJK scheme.

• 2,047 generic medicines and 300 surgical devices have been introduced under the scheme and cover areas such as treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes.

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Programme:

• The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke has shown significant progress.

• NCD treatment is given free of cost or heavily subsidised in public hospitals.

Ayushman Bharat PMJAY:

• The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY secures an annual health cover of Rs. 5 lakh (approx. $5886) for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.

• The scheme covers approximately 55 crore persons, inclusive of senior citizens aged above 70.

AMRIT Pharmacies:218 AMRIT pharmacies operate across 29 states and Union Territories to dispense medicines and surgical items at discounted prices.

Strengthening of Cancer Care:Two State Cancer Institutes (982 Institutes provide TCCCs, with 14 SCIs and 18 TCCCs established for enhancing cancer treatment infrastructure.

Reduced Out-of-Pocket Costs:The government is working towards reducing healthcare costs through free drug and diagnostic services under the NHM.To improve access and affordability to healthcare, especially for essential medicine, an overall goal concerning PMBJP.
AMRIT pharmacies and PMJAY are the two initiatives revolutionising healthcare delivery and alleviating financial burdens in strengthening the public healthcare system.