'MCD-Jan Aushadhi Kendra' Collaboration to Ensure Affordable Medicines for Pensioners

In an attempt to ensure the availability of low-cost generic medicines for designated pensioners, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has decided to collaborate with Jan Aushadhi Kendra operators, which provide affordable generic medicines.

The initiative intends to provide affordable medicines to designated pensioners’ centers across the city with the aid of Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

MCD Pensioners' Centers are facilities through which municipal pensioners can obtain services, such as receiving life certificates and healthcare benefits. The establishment which comes under the Municipal Pensioner Health Scheme (MPHS) aims to ensure affordable and quality medical care to retired employees of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Municipal Pensioner Health Scheme is a healthcare scheme for MCD pensioners and their family members which allows cashless health related treatment to MPHS card holders at empanelled hospitals. The initiative by the government is being implemented to ensure availability of basic medical benefits for those retired workers of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

The expenditure of the establishment across all 12 MCD zones over the next couple of years is estimated to be around Rs. 20,68,53,934, factoring in a 20 per cent rise due to the surge in the number of pensioners and market inflation.

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a scheme which was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India in November 2008. The main goal of the project was to guarantee accessibility of generic drugs for all sections of the society. For the timely distribution of medicines, PMBJP has several outlets called Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the nation.

The Hospital Administration Department has invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from Jan Aushadhi Kendra operators and vendors located near the designated pensioners’ centers for supply of common medicines to nearby centers. The MCD intends to dispense medications to 37 pensioners' centers spread across 12 MCD zones with the assist of Kendras. According to the reports, vendors must submit their proposals by March 25, either online or physically at the MCD office.

Once a formal agreement is created, selected retailers must make sure orders placed before midday must be delivered on the same day, whereas orders placed after noon must be fulfilled by the following working day. 

Strict penalties have been outlined for non-compliance with the contract. Penalties will be imposed on vendors for non-delivery, partial supply and delayed services, which could eventually lead to blacklisting and immediate termination of the contract. Furthermore, all the drugs being sent out must have at least half of their shelf life remaining.

References

1. “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.” n.d. MyScheme - One-Stop Search and Discovery Platform of the Government Schemes. Accessed on March 22, 2025. https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/pmbjp.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Jithin Paul/MSM)