Panel Urges Inclusion of TB and Mental Health Drugs in Jan Aushadhi Scheme

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers has reiterated its call for the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) to expand the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) product basket to include life-saving tuberculosis and mental illness medicines. The panel, chaired by MP Kirti Jha Azad, said Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) should serve as comprehensive outlets for essential medicines.

The committee also asked the DoP to review its decision to discontinue benzyl penicillin injections, noting their importance despite previously low demand. While the Health Ministry provides free TB drugs under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the panel stressed that JAKs require further augmentation and feasibility studies to include these medicines.

In its response, the DoP said recommendations are under review. Currently, the PMBJP basket includes 278 mental health drugs, with the possibility of further additions based on demand and stakeholder input.

29-08-2025