Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 15: The Government of India has launched Pashu Aushadhi Vikray Kendras under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme to improve animal healthcare by making quality generic veterinary medicines available at affordable prices to livestock owners, particularly in rural and remote areas. The initiative aims to reduce treatment costs for farmers and strengthen livestock health services across the country, including the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
These Kendras can be opened by registered Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PM-KSKs) and Cooperative Societies. Applicants must have at least 120 square feet of space (owned or rented), employ a registered pharmacist with a B. Pharma or D. Pharma qualification, and hold a drug sale licence from the State Drug Control Authority. Only one Kendra is permitted per revenue block, with priority given to areas having larger livestock populations.
Store operators will receive a 20 per cent margin on the selling price (excluding tax) of each medicine. A one-time incentive of ₹1.5 lakh is available for Kendras opened in aspirational districts, hilly areas, islands and northeastern states. A monthly incentive of up to ₹20,000 will also be provided based on the stock maintained and the volume of medicines purchased and sold. Only medicines supplied by the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) can be sold at these centres, and billing must be done through the official Point-of-Sale system. Ethno-veterinary products and certified animal feeds can also be sold.
The scheme is jointly implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Cooperation and PMBI. Applications are to be submitted online through the portal https://pashuaushadhi.dahd.gov.in/. An application fee of Rs. 5,000 is applicable, which is waived for stores in aspirational areas. Detailed guidelines can be downloaded from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying website.
Registered PM-KSKs and Cooperative Societies in the Islands are encouraged to apply and take part in this initiative to improve access to affordable veterinary medicines and support animal health and rural livelihoods.