Every year, March 7 is observed as ‘Jan Aushadhi Diwas’ to highlight the significance of affordable healthcare and encourage the use of generic medicines. The event is part of a week-long celebration from March 1 to 7, during which various awareness programs, health camps, and promotional activities are conducted across the country. The initiative aims to educate people about the benefits of cost-effective medicines and enhance accessibility to quality healthcare solutions.
This year, the celebration commenced on March 1, with a special focus on spreading awareness about the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in the National Capital Region (NCR). The program was originally launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings. The primary goal of PMBJP is to make high-quality medicines available at affordable rates through a widespread network of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK).
The government has continuously expanded the reach of PMBJK outlets to ensure that essential medicines are accessible to all, especially in rural and remote areas. These kendras provide generic alternatives to branded drugs at significantly lower prices, making healthcare more economical for the common citizen. Through this initiative, the government aims to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and promote the use of generic drugs, which are equally effective as their branded counterparts.
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a key initiative aimed at improving public healthcare by making high-quality generic medicines available at affordable prices. This scheme addresses the financial burden of medical expenses on common citizens, ensuring that no one is deprived of essential medicines due to cost constraints. By promoting the use of generic drugs, the initiative helps reduce the reliance on expensive branded medicines, which, despite having the same therapeutic value, are often sold at significantly higher prices.
One of the core activities of PMBJP is raising awareness about the efficacy and benefits of generic medicines. Many people mistakenly believe that lower-priced medicines are of inferior quality, leading them to opt for costlier branded drugs. This initiative seeks to correct such misconceptions by educating the public about the stringent quality standards followed in the production of generic medicines. Additionally, efforts are being made to encourage doctors and healthcare professionals, particularly in government hospitals, to prescribe generic alternatives. This practice not only makes treatment more affordable but also ensures wider access to necessary medications.
PMBJP also focuses on expanding the reach of essential medicines by increasing the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. These dedicated outlets offer a wide range of generic medicines covering various therapeutic categories, making healthcare more accessible to all, especially the underprivileged. The initiative also emphasizes menstrual health by ensuring the availability of affordable sanitary products for women, promoting better hygiene and well-being.
Furthermore, the scheme has a strong employment-generation component. It encourages individuals and entrepreneurs to open Jan Aushadhi Kendras, thereby creating self-employment opportunities. By supporting small business owners in the healthcare sector, PMBJP not only strengthens the medicine supply chain but also contributes to economic growth. Through these combined efforts, the initiative is making a significant impact in transforming healthcare affordability and accessibility in India.
Suvidha Sanitary Napkins: Affordable and Eco-Friendly Hygiene Solution
To enhance women’s health and hygiene, the Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkins were introduced on August 27, 2019. These napkins, priced at just Rs 1 per pad, aim to make menstrual hygiene products affordable for women across India. Available at over 15,000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras nationwide, Suvidha Napkins have witnessed significant demand. As of January 31, 2025, a total of 72 crore units have been sold, contributing to improved accessibility and awareness of menstrual health.
Jan Aushadhi SUGAM App: A Digital Gateway to Affordable Healthcare
Launched in August 2019, the Jan Aushadhi SUGAM mobile application serves as a digital platform to simplify access to generic medicines. The app features a user-friendly interface, enabling users to locate nearby Jan Aushadhi Kendras using Google Maps. Additionally, it provides a price comparison tool to highlight cost differences between generic and branded medicines, empowering consumers to make informed decisions. By facilitating transparency and accessibility, the app has played a crucial role in expanding the reach of affordable healthcare solutions under PMBJP.
Accessibility Through Public and Private Participation
One of the unique aspects of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is its dual operational model. The scheme is implemented not only by government agencies but also by private entrepreneurs, ensuring wider accessibility of affordable medicines across the country. This inclusive approach helps in expanding the network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, making quality healthcare more accessible, even in remote areas.
Affordable Medicines for All
PMBJP focuses on reducing the cost of essential medicines, making them significantly more affordable for the public. The prices of generic medicines available under this scheme are 50 per cent to 80 per cent lower than their branded counterparts in the open market. This substantial price difference ensures that quality healthcare is within reach for economically weaker sections, reducing the financial burden of medical expenses.
Ensuring Quality Standards
To maintain high-quality standards, all medicines under PMBJP are sourced only from manufacturers certified by the World Health Organisation’s Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP). Additionally, each batch of drugs undergoes rigorous quality testing at laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). These stringent measures guarantee that the medicines supplied through Jan Aushadhi Kendras are safe, effective, and reliable.
Financial Incentives for Store Operators
To encourage the establishment and sustainability of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, the government provides financial incentives. Operators receive an incentive of up to Rs 20,000 per month, calculated at 20 per cent of their monthly purchases, provided they meet the required stocking mandate. This support helps in maintaining adequate inventory and ensures the continuous availability of medicines.
Special Incentives for Underprivileged Areas and Groups
Recognizing the need for greater healthcare accessibility in underserved regions, the government offers a one-time incentive of ₹2 lakh for setting up Jan Aushadhi Kendras in North-Eastern states, Himalayan areas, island territories, and backward districts identified by NITI Aayog. Additionally, this incentive is extended to women entrepreneurs, ex-servicemen, Divyang (persons with disabilities), and individuals from SC & ST communities. This initiative not only enhances healthcare accessibility but also promotes entrepreneurship and economic empowerment among marginalized groups.
Transforming Healthcare: A Look at the Growth of PMBJP
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has witnessed remarkable growth over the years, significantly expanding its network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras and increasing access to affordable medicines across India. The initiative, launched to provide high-quality generic medicines at lower costs, has steadily grown in reach and impact, benefiting millions of people.
From a modest start in 2014-15, with only eight new Jan Aushadhi Kendras added, the total number of Kendras stood at 80, generating sales worth ₹7.29 crore at Maximum Retail Price (MRP). However, the expansion gained momentum in subsequent years, with the number of Kendras increasing significantly. By 2021-22, a total of 8,610 Kendras had been established, with 1,053 added that year, contributing to sales of ₹893.56 crore.
The growth continued in 2022-23, as 694 more Kendras were added, bringing the cumulative count to 9,304, and boosting sales to Rs 1,235.95 crore. The expansion accelerated further in 2023-24, with 1,957 new Kendras established, raising the total to 11,261. This resulted in sales of Rs 1,470 crore, reflecting the increasing demand for affordable medicines.
As of February 28, 2025, the PMBJP network has reached a new milestone with 3,796 additional Kendras opened in the ongoing financial year, bringing the cumulative total to an impressive 15,057 Kendras. The sales at MRP have surged to ₹1,767 crore, highlighting the growing impact of the scheme in making essential medicines more accessible and affordable for all.
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has witnessed a steady expansion in the number of medicines and surgical products available at its Kendras over the years. In the financial year 2020-21, a total of 1,654 products were introduced, comprising 1,450 medicines and 204 surgical items. This marked a significant step towards enhancing the availability of affordable healthcare products for the public.
Building on this progress, the number of medicines increased to 1,616 in 2021-22, while surgical items rose to 250, bringing the total count to 1,866. This growth reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening the supply of generic medicines and essential healthcare products.
The momentum continued in 2022-23, with the introduction of 1,759 medicines and 280 surgical items, leading to a total of 2,039 products available under the scheme. This expansion played a crucial role in making affordable and quality healthcare accessible to more people across the country.
By 2023-24, the initiative had further strengthened, with 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical items, reaching a total of 2,347 products. This consistent growth underscores the success of PMBJP in expanding its reach and impact, ensuring that essential medicines and surgical products remain affordable and accessible to the masses.
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has emerged as a transformative initiative in India’s healthcare sector, significantly enhancing access to affordable and high-quality generic medicines. By expanding the network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, promoting awareness about cost-effective treatment options, and ensuring stringent quality standards, the scheme has successfully reduced the financial burden of healthcare on millions of citizens. Additionally, initiatives like Suvidha Sanitary Napkins and the Jan Aushadhi SUGAM App have further strengthened public health efforts. With continuous growth in the number of Kendras, medicines, and surgical products, PMBJP is making a profound impact on the country’s healthcare landscape, ensuring that no one is deprived of essential medicines due to financial constraints.
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