Jan Aushadhi Yojana: Making Medicines Affordable for Every Indian

 

By Mr TPM | Updated July 10, 2025

In a country where high out-of-pocket health expenses often drive families into debt, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has emerged as a life-changing initiative. Commonly known as the Jan Aushadhi Yojana, this government scheme aims to provide high-quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the common man.

Launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the scheme has steadily grown into a nationwide network of stores offering cheaper alternatives to branded drugs — without compromising quality.

What is Jan Aushadhi Yojana?

The Jan Aushadhi Yojana, officially known as PMBJP, was launched in 2008 and gained momentum after its revamp in 2015 under the current government. It seeks to promote the use of generic medicines, which are chemically identical to branded drugs but sold at much lower prices.

The medicines are made available to citizens through dedicated outlets called “Jan Aushadhi Kendras”, which are set up across the country in collaboration with private entrepreneurs, NGOs, hospitals, and state governments.

Objectives of the Scheme

• Provide affordable and accessible healthcare by reducing the cost of medicines.
• Promote awareness and trust in quality generic medicines.
• Encourage doctors to prescribe generics as an alternative to expensive branded drugs.
• Generate employment and entrepreneurship through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
• Reduce the overall burden of health expenses on poor and middle-income families.

How Jan Aushadhi Works

The medicines under PMBJP are procured from World Health Organization-GMP certified manufacturers and tested in NABL-accredited labs to ensure quality. These are then distributed through a centralized system to Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

Each kendra is connected to the central database, allowing for real-time stock monitoring and transparency. Prices are often 50% to 90% lower than market rates of branded equivalents.

For instance:

• Paracetamol (500 mg): ₹1.45 (Jan Aushadhi) vs ₹3.50 (branded)
• Metformin (500 mg): ₹2.50 vs ₹10.50
• Atorvastatin (10 mg): ₹2.75 vs ₹13.00

Massive Growth and Reach

As of 2025:

• Over 10,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are operational across 750+ districts.
• The product basket includes more than 1,750 generic medicines and 280 surgical items.
• Daily footfall at kendras has increased significantly, showing growing public trust.

Some states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha have seen exceptional adoption and kendra expansion, especially in urban slums and rural blocks.

Special Focus on Women and Chronic Patients

PMBJP has introduced Suvidha Sanitary Pads at just ₹1 per unit, benefiting millions of underprivileged women. It also offers essential medicines for chronic diseases like:

• Diabetes (Metformin, Glimepiride)
• Hypertension (Amlodipine, Telmisartan)
• Asthma and respiratory conditions
• Antibiotics and pain relievers

This ensures that long-term treatments don’t burn a hole in the pockets of economically weaker sections.

Employment and Entrepreneurship

The scheme also creates livelihood opportunities. Eligible individuals — such as pharmacists, unemployed youth, NGOs, and ex-servicemen — can open Jan Aushadhi stores with:

• Initial financial assistance up to ₹5 lakh
• Additional incentives based on sales
• Full training and support from the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI)

This makes PMBJP both a public welfare and economic opportunity initiative.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite its success, the Jan Aushadhi Yojana still faces:

• Awareness gaps among patients and doctors
• Resistance from the branded pharmaceutical lobby
• Supply chain disruptions and delayed refills at some kendras

To overcome these, the government is focusing on:

• Expanding kendras to all primary health centers and railway stations
• Introducing mobile Jan Aushadhi vans in remote regions
• Promoting the “Prescription by Generic Name” policy in government hospitals

Efforts are also underway to integrate PMBJP with Ayushman Bharat for seamless delivery of affordable medicines under universal health coverage.

Real Voices, Real Impact

Geeta Kumari, a daily wage earner from Patna, says:
"My husband is diabetic. We used to spend ₹600 per month on medicines. Now we get the same drugs for ₹150 from the Jan Aushadhi Kendra nearby."

Dr. R. K. Meena, a government doctor in Rajasthan, adds:
"Generic medicines are equally effective. I prescribe them to my patients, especially in rural OPDs where affordability is crucial."

Conclusion

The Jan Aushadhi Yojana is a transformative step toward affordable healthcare for all, especially in a country where medicine costs account for over 70% of out-of-pocket health spending. By delivering both quality and savings, this scheme not only protects lives but also secures livelihoods.

As the government continues to strengthen the infrastructure, spread awareness, and integrate digital tools, Jan Aushadhi is poised to become the backbone of India’s affordable medicine ecosystem.