Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana and Its Impact on Affordable Healthcare

How PMBJP Is Transforming Affordable Healthcare in India

The Need for Affordable Medicines in India

Access to affordable medicines remains one of the most important determinants of public health outcomes. In many developing economies, including India, households often rely heavily on out-of-pocket spending for healthcare services. When medicines are expensive, patients may delay treatment, reduce dosage, or discontinue medication altogether, which can lead to worsening health conditions.

A major factor contributing to high medicine prices is the widespread use of branded drugs, which are often sold at significantly higher prices than unbranded generic equivalents. Although both versions contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredients and offer similar therapeutic benefits, branded medicines frequently carry higher marketing and branding costs.

Recognizing this gap, the Government of India introduced the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana to encourage the use of generic medicines while ensuring their quality and accessibility. By reducing price barriers and expanding distribution channels, the scheme has helped millions of citizens access essential drugs at affordable rates.

Overview of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a flagship government initiative aimed at providing quality generic medicines at affordable prices through dedicated retail outlets known as Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs).

The scheme is implemented by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. Its primary objective is to promote the use of generic medicines and ensure that high-quality drugs are available to citizens at prices significantly lower than branded alternatives.

Under PMBJP, the government facilitates procurement, quality testing, and distribution of medicines, while private entrepreneurs, pharmacists, and organisations operate the retail stores. This public-private model allows the scheme to expand rapidly across the country.

Today, PMBJP has become one of the world’s largest initiatives for affordable generic medicines, supporting India’s broader goal of universal healthcare access.

Quality Assurance Mechanisms under PMBJP

Ensuring the quality and safety of medicines is central to the success of PMBJP. The programme follows strict quality control procedures to maintain public trust in generic medicines.

All medicines supplied through the scheme are sourced exclusively from manufacturers that comply with World Health Organization Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP). These standards ensure that pharmaceutical products are consistently produced and controlled according to internationally recognised quality guidelines.

In addition to compliance with manufacturing standards, every batch of medicine undergoes rigorous testing at laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). These tests verify factors such as potency, purity, stability, and safety.

Only after meeting all prescribed quality parameters are the medicines distributed to Jan Aushadhi Kendras. This multilayered quality assurance system ensures that patients receive safe, effective, and reliable medicines at affordable prices.

Also Read: Top Ways AI Is Used in Healthcare Today: A Complete Guide

Expanding the Network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras

One of the most notable achievements of PMBJP has been the rapid expansion of its retail network across India.

Currently, over 18,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are operational nationwide. These outlets supply a wide range of medicines and medical products at affordable prices. The government has set an ambitious target of establishing 25,000 Kendras by March 2027, further strengthening access to affordable medicines.

These stores are strategically located in urban areas, rural regions, and remote districts to ensure widespread accessibility. Many Kendras are also established in government hospitals and healthcare institutions, allowing patients to purchase medicines immediately after consultation.

Each day, approximately 10–12 lakh people visit Jan Aushadhi Kendras to purchase medicines at significantly lower prices. This extensive reach has made PMBJP an important component of India’s public healthcare infrastructure.

Wide Range of Medicines and Medical Products

The product basket available under PMBJP has expanded significantly over time to meet diverse healthcare needs.

Currently, the scheme offers 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical items, covering 29 therapeutic categories. These categories include treatments for major health conditions such as:

• Anti-infective medicines

• Anti-diabetic drugs

• Cardiovascular medicines

• Anti-cancer treatments

• Gastrointestinal medicines

• Pain management drugs

In addition to medicines, the scheme also supplies medical devices, surgical consumables, and diagnostic equipment.

This extensive product range ensures that patients suffering from both acute and chronic illnesses can access affordable treatment options through the Jan Aushadhi network.

Price Advantage and Financial Savings for Citizens

A defining feature of PMBJP is the significant price difference between Jan Aushadhi medicines and comparable branded drugs.

The maximum retail prices of PMBJP medicines are typically 50–80% lower than equivalent branded medicines available in the market. This substantial price reduction has helped reduce healthcare expenditure for millions of Indian households.

By June 2025, Jan Aushadhi medicines with an aggregate MRP value of ₹7,700 crore had been sold through the network. This translated into an estimated ₹38,000 crore in savings for citizens compared with purchasing similar branded medicines.

For families managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular conditions, these savings can significantly reduce long-term treatment costs.

Franchise-Based Model for Expansion

To accelerate the expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, the government has adopted a franchise-based model that encourages participation from private individuals and organisations.

Entrepreneurs, NGOs, trusts, societies, and private entities can apply online through the official PMBI portal to open a Kendra. This model allows the government to rapidly expand the network without bearing the entire operational burden.

The franchise system also ensures that Kendras are established in diverse locations, including rural blocks, tehsils, and underserved regions, where access to affordable medicines may otherwise be limited.

By combining public oversight with private participation, the scheme creates a sustainable ecosystem for delivering affordable healthcare services.

How to Open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra

Eligibility and Incentives for Opening a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK)

Eligibility Criteria to Open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra

For Individual Applicants:
Individuals who want to open a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra must hold a D. Pharma or B. Pharma degree. If the applicant does not have this qualification, they must appoint a qualified pharmacist with a D. Pharma or B. Pharma degree and submit proof during the application process or before the final approval.

For Other Applicants:
Entrepreneurs, pharmacists, trusts, societies, NGOs, and charitable institutions can also apply to open a PMBJK. However, they must employ a qualified pharmacist holding a B. Pharma or D. Pharma degree and provide the necessary documentation at the time of application.

For Government Hospital Premises:
When setting up a Jan Aushadhi Kendra within government hospital premises, preference is generally given to reputed NGOs and charitable organizations. However, individual applicants are also eligible to apply.

Margins and Incentives for Operating a Jan Aushadhi Kendra

Operating Margin:
The agency operating the Jan Aushadhi Kendra receives a 20% margin on the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of each medicine sold, excluding applicable taxes.

Special Incentives:
Additional financial support is provided for Kendras opened by women entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities (Divyang), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), ex-servicemen, or those established in backward districts, Himalayan regions, island territories, and North-Eastern states.

These eligible applicants can receive a one-time financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh, which includes:

• ₹1.50 lakh for furniture and store fixtures

• ₹0.50 lakh for computers, printers, internet facilities, and related equipment

This financial assistance is granted only once per family under the “One Family – One Grant” policy.

Note:
For the purpose of this scheme, the term “relative” includes the applicant’s spouse, unmarried dependent siblings, and direct ancestors or descendants.

Requirements for Opening a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK)

Space Requirement:
The applicant must have a minimum 120 square feet of space, either owned or rented. If the space is rented, a lease agreement or space allotment letter must be provided. The Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) does not arrange space for applicants.

Pharmacist Requirement:
Applicants must ensure the availability of a registered pharmacist whose registration is valid with the respective State Pharmacy Council. Proof of this registration must be submitted either during application or before the final approval.

Category Certification:
Applicants applying under special categories such as women entrepreneurs, ex-servicemen, Divyang, SC, ST, aspirational districts, Himalayan regions, island territories, or North-Eastern states must provide valid supporting documents. Once selected, the category cannot be changed later.

Distance Policy:
Generally, there should be a minimum distance of 1 km between two Jan Aushadhi Kendras in a district. However, this restriction does not apply to Kendras located within 500 meters of district government hospitals, private hospitals with more than 100 beds, or medical colleges.
PMBI evaluates and approves the location after conducting a market feasibility survey.

Cheque Submission:
Applicants must submit three cheques from an Indian nationalized bank in favor of PMBI for medicine supply payments. In addition, a cancelled cheque must also be provided.

Application Process for Opening a Jan Aushadhi Kendra

Application Fee:
Applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of ₹5,000 while submitting the application form.

Fee Exemption:
The application fee is waived for certain categories, including:

• Women entrepreneurs

• Persons with disabilities (Divyang)

• Scheduled Castes (SC)

• Scheduled Tribes (ST)

• Ex-servicemen

• Applicants from aspirational districts, Himalayan regions, island territories, and North-Eastern states

Applicants claiming this exemption must submit valid proof of their eligibility.

Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Financial Incentives

PMBJP not only promotes affordable healthcare but also encourages inclusive entrepreneurship.

To support entrepreneurs operating Jan Aushadhi Kendras, the government provides several financial incentives. Store operators receive a 20% trade margin on the maximum retail price of each medicine, excluding taxes.

In addition, operators are eligible for performance-linked incentives up to ₹5 lakh, provided they meet certain stocking and operational requirements.

Special incentives are offered to encourage participation from historically disadvantaged groups, including:

• Women entrepreneurs

• Scheduled Castes (SC)

• Scheduled Tribes (ST)

• Divyangjan (persons with disabilities)

• Entrepreneurs operating in aspirational districts and remote regions

Eligible entrepreneurs can receive special incentives up to ₹2 lakh, including reimbursement for furniture, fixtures, computers, and other infrastructure.

This inclusive policy framework promotes economic empowerment while expanding access to affordable medicines.

Citizen-Centric Initiative: Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins

One of the most impactful initiatives under PMBJP is the Janaushadhi Suvidha sanitary napkin programme, launched in 2019.

The initiative aims to promote menstrual hygiene and women’s health by providing sanitary pads at an extremely affordable price of ₹1 per pad.

These sanitary napkins are designed with oxo-biodegradable technology, which helps the material degrade after disposal when exposed to oxygen. This environmentally friendly feature supports sustainable waste management practices.

By 31 January 2026, more than 100 crore Suvidha sanitary pads had been sold across India. In the financial year 2025–26 alone, over 22.50 crore pads were sold up to January 2026.

Through this initiative, PMBJP addresses both public health and gender equity, ensuring that women from economically weaker backgrounds can access safe menstrual hygiene products.

Digital Governance: Jan Aushadhi Sugam Mobile App

To enhance transparency and accessibility, the government launched the Jan Aushadhi Sugam mobile application in 2019.

The app serves as a digital platform that helps citizens locate nearby Jan Aushadhi Kendras and obtain information about available medicines.

Key features include:

• Geolocation services to identify the nearest Kendra using Google Maps

• Medicine search functionality with real-time availability updates

• Price comparison tools that show the difference between generic medicines and branded alternatives

The app is available free of cost on Android and iOS platforms, making it widely accessible to smartphone users.

By integrating digital technology with public healthcare initiatives, the Sugam app promotes informed decision-making and encourages the adoption of affordable generic medicines.

Strengthening Last-Mile Healthcare Access

Ensuring last-mile connectivity is critical for healthcare delivery in a vast country like India.

To improve accessibility, the government has introduced several measures:

• Encouraging state governments to provide rent-free premises in government hospitals for establishing Kendras

• Mandating minimum stocking requirements to ensure medicine availability

• Expanding the product basket to include nutraceuticals and health supplements

These initiatives ensure that Jan Aushadhi Kendras remain viable while continuing to serve local communities.

Jan Aushadhi Kendras at Railway Stations

In an effort to reach travellers and migrant workers, PMBJP has expanded its presence in transportation hubs.

As of 31 January 2026, 116 Jan Aushadhi Kendras had been established at railway stations across the country. These stores provide affordable medicines to passengers, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

Railway station Kendras play a crucial role in improving accessibility because they are located in high-footfall transit hubs, allowing people to purchase essential medicines even during travel.

Strengthening Supply Chains and Logistics

A reliable supply chain is essential for maintaining the availability of medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

To ensure efficient distribution, PMBI has developed an IT-enabled supply chain management system. The system currently operates through five central warehouses and 41 distributors nationwide.

The organisation also monitors 400 fast-moving medicines and conducts demand forecasting to maintain consistent supply levels.

Since September 2024, Kendras have been incentivised to stock 200 high-demand medicines, including the 100 top-selling drugs and 100 fastest-moving products in the pharmaceutical market.

Digital automation and data-driven forecasting are gradually improving procurement efficiency and supply stability across the network.

Awareness Initiatives: Janaushadhi Saptah and Janaushadhi Diwas

Public awareness plays an important role in encouraging the adoption of generic medicines.

To promote awareness, the government organises Janaushadhi Saptah, a nationwide outreach campaign culminating in Janaushadhi Diwas on 7 March each year.

During Janaushadhi Saptah 2026, health camps and awareness programmes were conducted at more than 250 locations across India. These events included free health check-ups, diagnostic services, and information sessions on affordable medicines.

The campaign theme “Janaushadhi Sasti Bhi, Bharosemand Bhi, Sehat Ki Baat, Bachat Ke Saath” emphasizes that Jan Aushadhi medicines are not only affordable but also reliable and effective.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana has emerged as a transformative initiative in India’s healthcare system by addressing one of the most pressing challenges—affordable access to medicines. Through a vast network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, the scheme provides quality generic medicines at prices that are significantly lower than branded alternatives, reducing the financial burden on millions of households.

Beyond cost savings, PMBJP represents a comprehensive approach to healthcare accessibility. Its strong quality assurance framework ensures the reliability of medicines, while digital tools like the Jan Aushadhi Sugam app enhance transparency and convenience for citizens. At the same time, inclusive entrepreneurship incentives empower individuals from diverse social groups to participate in expanding the network.

Citizen-focused initiatives such as the Janaushadhi Suvidha sanitary napkin programme and nationwide awareness campaigns further highlight the scheme’s commitment to improving public health outcomes.

As India continues to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure, PMBJP stands out as a critical pillar supporting the goal of affordable, accessible, and equitable healthcare for all citizens.

Note: If you would like to read this article in Hindi, please click on the link below.

कैसे प्रधानमंत्री जनऔषधि परियोजना बदल रही है भारत की स्वास्थ्य व्यवस्था