Jan Aushadhi PMBJP: Affordable Generic Medicines Scheme Explained
Why in the news
An explainer on the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in July 2025 covered its features, outlets and growth.
Key facts
- Started: November 2008, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, with Central Pharma PSUs.
- Run by: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI).
- Outlets: Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK).
- Tagline: Jan Aushadhi – Seva Bhi, Rozgar Bhi.
Background
The scheme gives the public quality generic medicines cheaply. It also tries to show that a low price does not mean poor quality, and urges doctors, particularly in government hospitals, to prescribe generics. Branded and generic drugs have identical therapeutic value, but branded ones cost far more.
Features
- Operated by government agencies and by private entrepreneurs.
- Prices are 50%-80% below branded market rates.
- Only WHO-GMP certified manufacturers supply medicines.
- Each batch is tested in NABL-accredited laboratories.
- Kendra incentive: 20% of monthly purchases, up to ₹20,000 a month, linked to the stocking mandate.
- One-off ₹2 lakh support for Kendras in the North-East, Himalayan areas, islands and aspirational or backward districts, or run by women, ex-servicemen, Divyang, SC or ST entrepreneurs.
Special initiatives
- Suvidha oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins: ₹1 per pad since August 2019; over 72 crore sold by January 2025.
- Jan Aushadhi SUGAM app (August 2019): locates the nearest Kendra on Google Maps, searches generics and compares generic with branded prices.
Growth of the network
| Measure | 2014-15 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 (to 28 Feb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kendras added | 8 | 1,053 | 694 | 1,957 | 3,796 |
| Total Kendras | 80 | 8,610 | 9,304 | 11,261 | 15,057 |
| Sales at MRP (₹ crore) | 7.29 | 893.56 | 1,235.95 | 1,470 | 1,767 |
Product basket
| Item type | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicines | 1,450 | 1,616 | 1,759 | 2,047 |
| Surgical items | 204 | 250 | 280 | 300 |
| Total | 1,654 | 1,866 | 2,039 | 2,347 |
Exam angle
- Run by PMBI; ministry: Chemicals & Fertilizers.
- Quality checks: WHO-GMP sourcing, NABL-accredited testing.
- Napkin price: ₹1; app: Jan Aushadhi SUGAM.