Expansion of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

#GS-2 #Governance & Social Justice #Health #Current Events #National #Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana #Jan Aushadhi Kendras

Key takeaways

Under PMBJP, medicines sell at 50-80% cheaper rates compared to branded alternatives in the market.
During 2021-22 to 2025-26, Jan Aushadhi Kendras achieved ₹7,873.85 crore in sales, saving citizens around ₹37,200 crore.
The central government plans to expand the network to 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by March 2027.
The scheme supplies Janaushadhi Suvidha biodegradable sanitary pads at a subsidised rate of ₹1 per pad.

The central government is expanding the scope of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) beyond basic medicines.
The scheme now includes surgical products, medical consumables, healthcare devices, and supportive-care items.
Operating through more than 20,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs), the initiative offers affordable healthcare for all life stages, including maternal and elderly care.

The government started PMBJP to supply quality generic medicines at low prices through nationwide Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs).
Currently, over 18,000 JAKs provide 2,110 medicines along with 315 surgical items and medical devices across major therapeutic categories.
Between 2021-22 and 2025-26, PMBJP recorded sales of ₹7,873.85 crore, saving citizens roughly ₹37,200 crore.
The government procures medicines from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers and tests them in NABL accredited laboratories.
Medicines sold under this scheme are 50-80% cheaper than equivalent branded drugs, lowering family healthcare expenses.
The government plans to open 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by March 2027 across rural and remote areas through franchises.
Under citizen-focused initiatives, Janaushadhi Suvidha Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkins sell for just ₹1 per pad, while the Jan Aushadhi Sugam mobile app helps track stock and find stores.
The scheme offers special business incentives for women, Divyangjan, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and entrepreneurs in backward regions.
Overall, the initiative makes essential medicines affordable, promotes fairness in healthcare, and cuts out-of-pocket medical bills.

PMBJP is transforming from a basic medicine scheme into a complete, low-cost healthcare support system.
By adding surgical tools and opening thousands of new centres, it ensures accessible healthcare supplies for every citizen.

PMBJP is a central scheme providing quality generic drugs and health items at low rates via dedicated stores.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers launched the initiative in November 2008.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers handles the overall execution of the scheme.
Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) serve as dedicated retail outlets where citizens purchase generic medicines and medical supplies.
The primary goal of PMBJP is making quality medical products affordable and easily available to all citizens.