Jan Aushadhi Yojana: Affordable Medicines

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The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), commonly known as the
PM Jan Aushadhi Yojana, is a revolutionary initiative by the Government of India aimed at
making quality medicines available at affordable prices to all, especially the poor and underprivileged.
Launched in 2008 and significantly revamped in 2015 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, this
scheme has become one of the key pillars of India’s public health strategy.

Background and Need for the Scheme

  • India has long struggled with the high cost of healthcare. Branded medicines, which dominate the pharmaceutical
  • market, are often unaffordable for large sections of the population. According to several reports, out-of-pocket
  • expenditure on healthcare in India is among the highest in the world, with medicines accounting for a significant
  • portion of this expense. This situation often forces people to either delay treatment or fall into debt traps to
  • afford necessary medical care.

Objectives of the PM Jan Aushadhi Yojana

  • To make quality medicines available to all at affordable prices.
  • To reduce healthcare expenditure for every citizen.
  • To create awareness among the public about generic medicines.
  • To generate employment opportunities by encouraging entrepreneurs to open Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

Implementation and Administration

  • The Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, is responsible for implementing the scheme. BPPI procures generic medicines from certified suppliers and ensures their distribution through a nationwide network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
  • These Kendras are retail outlets where generic medicines are sold to the public at significantly lower prices than their branded counterparts. The government ensures that the medicines sold through these stores meet strict quality standards by sourcing them from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers.

Features of Pt Jan Aushadhi Yojana

  • Affordable Medicines: Generic medicines sold under this scheme are up to 50-90% cheaper than branded drugs.
  • Widespread Network: As of 2025, there are over 10,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across India.
  • Wide Range of Products: The scheme covers over 1,600 drugs and 250 surgical and medical devices.
  • High Quality: All medicines are tested in NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure their safety and efficacy.
  • Digital Platform: An online Jan Aushadhi Sugam app helps users locate nearby Kendras and check the availability of medicines.

Eligibility Criteria

  • The applicant should be an Indian citizen above 21 years of age.
  • Premises of at least 120 sq. ft. is required.
  • A qualified pharmacist must be employed and available during working hours.
  • Entities like NGOs, charitable societies, private hospitals, and co-operative societies are also eligible.

Financial Support from the Government

  • One-time financial assistance of up to ₹5 lakh for infrastructure setup.
  • Monthly incentive up to ₹15,000 for operational support (based on monthly sales).
  • Special incentives for Kendras in backward areas, SC/ST regions, and Northeast India

Comparative Advantage Over Branded Medicines

  • Generic medicines have the same active ingredients, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as branded medicines. The only difference is in the price. The PMBJP ensures that these medicines are manufactured in reputable facilities and undergo rigorous quality testing. This dispels the myth that lower price means lower quality.
  • For example, a branded tablet for high blood pressure may cost ₹100 for 10 tablets, while the same generic medicine under the Jan Aushadhi Yojana may cost just ₹10. This massive price difference can significantly lower the overall cost of treatment, especially for patients with long-term health conditions.

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