Govt aims to open 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by March 2027

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has become a key pillar in advancing affordable and equitable healthcare in India by ensuring widespread access to quality generic medicines at substantially lower prices.

The scheme seeks to provide quality-assured generic medicines at significantly lower prices through an expanding network of dedicated Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) across the country, thereby strengthening the affordability and access to generic pharmaceuticals.

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“Under the scheme, over 18,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) are operational. The scheme’s product portfolio includes 2,110 medicines, 315 surgical items, medical consumables, and devices spanning 29 therapeutic categories, including anti-infectives, anti-diabetics, cardiovascular drugs, anti-cancer medications, and gastrointestinal treatments,” the government said on Saturday.

On average, about 10 to 12 lakh persons visit these Kendras daily and avail quality medicines at affordable prices across the country, including in rural and remote areas.

The maximum retail prices (MRPs) of medicines available under the PMBJP are generally 50-80 per cent lower than those of comparable branded medicines, significantly reducing rural households’ healthcare expenditure.

By June 2025, Jan Aushadhi medicines with an aggregate MRP value of Rs 7,700 crore have been sold, generating estimated savings of approximately Rs 38,000 crore for citizens compared to equivalent branded alternatives.

The government has set a target to open 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras under the scheme by March 2027. To achieve this target, a franchise-based model has been adopted.

Online applications are invited from individual entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisations, societies, trusts, firms, and private entities through the official portal of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), www.janaushadhi.gov.in.

This inclusive framework supports the establishment of JAKs across urban, rural, and remote areas, including blocks and tehsils, helping to ensure wider access to affordable, quality-assured generic medicines for all.

Through a steadily expanding network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, robust quality assurance mechanisms, and digital tools that enhance transparency and convenience, the scheme has helped reduce households’ financial burden of medical expenses nationwide.

By promoting inclusive entrepreneurship and introducing citizen-focused initiatives such as affordable sanitary products and nationwide awareness campaigns, PMBJP goes beyond cost reduction to foster accessibility, trust, and empowerment.

As the programme continues to expand its reach, it reinforces the government’s commitment to delivering reliable, affordable healthcare for all.