The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a central scheme aimed at making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices across India. Under the scheme, Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) sell medicines at prices that are generally 50% to 80% lower than branded alternatives. The scheme covers a wide product basket of medicines, surgicals, medical consumables and devices, and is supported by awareness drives to improve public trust in generic medicines.
Scheme Objective and Coverage
PMBJP seeks to reduce out-of-pocket health expenditure by expanding access to low-cost medicines. The product basket includes 2,110 medicines and 315 surgicals, medical consumables and devices. These cover major therapeutic categories such as cardiovascular, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, anti-allergic and gastro-intestinal medicines, along with nutraceuticals.
Jan Aushadhi Kendras
Dedicated outlets known as Jan Aushadhi Kendras are opened across the country to distribute these medicines. The scheme is designed to widen availability in both urban and rural areas. A target has been set to increase the total number of JAKs to 20,000 by 31 March 2026. No State-wise or Union Territory-wise target has been fixed for opening these outlets.
Awareness and Public Outreach
The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), the implementing agency, conducts awareness campaigns through multiple platforms. These include print, television, radio, social media, outdoor hoardings and community engagement. Outreach is also carried out through WhatsApp chatbots and outbound calls to inform citizens about product quality and savings.
Special Campaigns and Rural Engagement
Jan Aushadhi Week is observed every year in the first week of March. During this period, public rallies, health camps, seminars in pharmacy colleges and children’s engagement programmes are held. Publicity in rural areas is conducted through health camps, nukkad-natak, audiovisual displays at Common Service Centres and workshops in local languages and dialects.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026