Sri Vijaya Puram, November 12: The availability of affordable veterinary medicines in rural and remote areas, where livestock owners may face higher treatment costs, is the focus of a Central government initiative that allows registered farmer service centres and cooperative societies in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to open dedicated medicine outlets.
The Government of India has introduced Pashu Aushadhi Vikray Kendras under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme to expand access to quality generic veterinary medicines at affordable prices. The scheme aims to lower farmers’ expenditure on animal treatment and improve livestock healthcare services, including in the island territory.
Registered Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PM-KSKs) and Cooperative Societies can apply to establish these outlets. Each proposed Kendra must have at least 120 square feet of space, either owned or rented, and employ a registered pharmacist holding a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharma) or Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharma) qualification.
Applicants must also obtain a drug sale licence from the State Drug Control Authority before operating the outlet. The scheme permits only one Kendra in each revenue block, with preference given to locations that have larger livestock populations.
The scheme provides financial incentives to encourage participation. Operators will receive a 20 per cent margin on the selling price of each medicine, excluding taxes. A one-time incentive of Rs. 1.5 lakh will be available for Kendras established in aspirational districts, hilly regions, islands and northeastern states.
Eligible outlets can also receive a monthly incentive of up to Rs. 20,000. The amount will depend on the stock maintained and the volume of medicines purchased and sold.
The scheme restricts the sale of medicines to products supplied by the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI). Operators must process all medicine sales through the official Point-of-Sale system. The outlets may also sell ethno-veterinary products and certified animal feeds.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the Ministry of Cooperation and PMBI are jointly implementing the initiative. Interested PM-KSKs and Cooperative Societies must submit applications online through the official portal, https://pashuaushadhi.dahd.gov.in/.
The application fee is Rs. 5,000, although outlets proposed in aspirational areas are exempt. Applicants can access the detailed scheme guidelines through the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying website.
Registered PM-KSKs and Cooperative Societies in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been encouraged to apply, with the scheme intended to improve access to veterinary medicines and support livestock-dependent rural livelihoods.
