Janaushadhi Kendras to be Established at Railway Stations

New Delhi: In order to improve the well-being and welfare of passengers visiting railway stations, Indian Railways has developed a policy framework to establish Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) in circulating areas and concourses of stations. These centers will be operated by Licensees. The pilot project for this initiative consists of a list of 50 stations.

To create ease for daily visitors and passengers, Indian Railways has consistently improved facilities and amenities at its stations. The establishment of PMBJKs at railway stations serves the following objectives:

1. Availability and accessibility of quality medicines and consumables (Janaushadhi products) to all.
2. Enable passengers/visitors at railway stations to easily access Janaushadhi products.
3. Enhance wellness and welfare among all sections of society by providing medicines at affordable prices.
4. Create employment opportunities and generate avenues for entrepreneurs for opening PMBJKs.

The scheme proposes that PMBJKs (passenger amenities and service centers) be deemed as ‘desirable passenger amenities’, which will be provided fabricated outlets in the circulating areas and concourses of stations for operation by Licensees on commercial lines. The scheme will help to enhance the passenger experience by providing a one-stop shop for all their needs while at the station. The scheme is currently being implemented in a few stations across the country and has received positive feedback from passengers and Licensees alike.

The outlets will be situated in circulating areas/concourses at convenient locations to ensure both arriving and departing passengers can benefit from them. PMBJKs will be established and operated by Licensees at locations determined by Railway Divisions. Stalls will be allocated to respective Railway Divisions through E-auctioning on IREPS. These stalls will be designed in collaboration with NID Ahmedabad.

Successful bidders of PMBJK outlets are required to obtain the necessary permissions and licenses to operate a drug store and ensure compliance with all legal requirements for drug storage.

Before commencing operations, successful bidders of PMBJK outlets must establish an agreement with the nodal agency for PMBJK, which is the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), as well as its authorized distributors for the Janaushadhi Scheme, as mandated by PMBI.