Expanding PMBJP: Integrating Veterinary Generic Medicines to Empower Livestock Farmers
I wholeheartedly welcome and thank Union Cabinet led by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s decision to approve Revision of Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme with inclusion of components for improvement in the availability of generic veterinary medicine-animal dispensary through PM-Kisan Samridhi Kendra and network of cooperatives.
Provision of Generic Veterinary Medicines through PM-Kisan Samridhi Kendras and Cooperative Networks
The Indian government has been proactively working to enhance the accessibility of affordable veterinary medicines for livestock farmers. A significant initiative in this direction is the integration of generic veterinary medicines into the distribution channels of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSK) and cooperative networks.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSK):
PMKSKs are envisioned as one-stop centers providing various agricultural services and products to farmers. These centers aim to offer a range of services, including the distribution of fertilizers, seeds, and now, generic veterinary medicines. By incorporating veterinary services, PMKSKs serve as accessible points for livestock farmers to obtain necessary medications, ensuring timely and cost-effective animal healthcare.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a government initiative aimed at providing quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the general public. Launched in November 2008, the program seeks to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses by making essential medicines accessible through dedicated outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs).
Potential Integration of Veterinary Generic Medicines:
While PMBJP primarily focuses on human healthcare, expanding its scope to include veterinary generic medicines could significantly benefit livestock farmers. This integration would involve:
- Product Range Expansion: Incorporating essential veterinary medicines into the existing inventory of PMBJKs to cater to the healthcare needs of livestock.
- Quality Assurance: Ensuring that veterinary medicines meet stringent quality standards, similar to human medicines, to maintain efficacy and safety.
- Awareness and Training: Educating pharmacists and livestock farmers on the correct usage of veterinary medicines to promote responsible practices and effective treatment outcomes.
Role of Cooperative Networks:
Cooperative societies, particularly Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), play a pivotal role in rural economies. Recognizing their extensive reach and trust among farmers, the government has enabled PACS to operate as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), facilitating the distribution of generic medicines at the rural level. This initiative not only broadens the availability of human generic medicines but also sets a precedent for the inclusion of veterinary medicines in these outlets.
Impact on Livestock Farming and Farmers:
- Cost Reduction: Generic medicines are typically more affordable than their branded counterparts. By making these available through PMKSKs and cooperatives, farmers can reduce their expenditure on animal healthcare, leading to overall cost savings in livestock farming.
- Improved Animal Health: Easier access to affordable medicines ensures that livestock receive timely treatments, reducing morbidity and mortality rates. Healthy animals contribute to increased productivity, benefiting the farmers economically.
- Enhanced Awareness: The integration of veterinary services into PMKSKs and cooperatives also serves an educational purpose. Farmers become more informed about disease prevention, proper medication usage, and overall animal husbandry practices.
- Strengthening Rural Economies: Healthy livestock are integral to the rural economy. By ensuring the well-being of animals through accessible healthcare, these initiatives contribute to the stability and growth of rural livelihoods.
The provision of generic veterinary medicines through PM-Kisan Samridhi Kendras and cooperative networks represents a strategic approach to bolster livestock farming in India. By leveraging existing agricultural infrastructure, the government aims to make animal healthcare more affordable and accessible, thereby enhancing the productivity and prosperity of livestock farmers across the country.
The Pashu Aushadhi is new component added to the LHDCP scheme. The total outlay of the scheme is Rs.3,880 crore for two years i.e. 2024-25 and 2025-26.
The Scheme shall help in prevention and control of livestock diseases through vaccination, surveillance and upgradation of healthcare facilities.
Cabinet approves amendments to Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for amendment to the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).
The scheme has three components – National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH&DC) and Veterinary Medicine. The LH&DC has three sub-components: Severe Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP), Establishment and Strengthening of Existing Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries – Mobile Veterinary Unit (ESVHD-MVU) and Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD). Veterinary medicine has been added as a new component in the LHDCP scheme. The total outlay of the scheme for the two years i.e. 2024-25 and 2025-26 is Rs 3880 crore which includes a provision of Rs 75 crore to provide incentives for sale of good quality and affordable generic veterinary medicine and drugs under the veterinary component of the scheme.
The productivity of animals is adversely affected due to diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Pest des Petits Rumintes (PPR), Classical Swine Fever (CSF), Lumpy Skin Disease etc. The implementation of LHDCP will reduce these losses by preventing diseases through vaccination. The scheme also supports door-step delivery of livestock health care through sub-components of Mobile Veterinary Inputs (ESVHD-MVUs) and improvement in the availability of generic veterinary medicine-animal dispensary through PM-Kisan Samridhi Kendra and network of cooperatives.
Thus the scheme will help in prevention and control of livestock diseases through vaccination, surveillance and upgradation of health facilities. The scheme will improve productivity, generate employment, promote entrepreneurship in the rural sector and prevent economic losses to farmers due to disease burden.
Ashutosh Kumar Singh
Health Activist, Writer
Founder : Swasth Bharat, Swasth Bharat Media, @SwasthBharatAbhiyan
