“Jan Aushadhi – Seva Bhi, Rozgar Bhi”
Introduction
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a government initiative started in 2008 to make quality medicines available to everyone at low prices. These medicines are sold through special outlets called Janaushadhi Kendras. The scheme is managed by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI). Its tagline, “Jan Aushadhi – Seva bhi, Rozgar bhi,” highlights that the scheme not only serves the people but also creates job opportunities.
About
The “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)” was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings. The initiative aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the public through dedicated outlets called Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK).
Key Activities of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
With an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) aims to make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices. Some of the activities under this initiative include:
- Raising Awareness: One of the primary goals is to educate the public about the benefits of generic medicines, emphasizing that affordability does not compromise quality. The initiative aims to dispel the misconception that higher prices indicate better quality.
- Encouraging Prescriptions of Generic Drugs: PMBJP aims to inspire healthcare professionals, particularly those in government hospitals, to prescribe generic alternatives, thereby promoting cost-effective treatment options.
- Enhancing Accessibility: The initiative seeks to provide a wide range of commonly used generic medicines across various therapeutic categories, ensuring that essential healthcare products are available to everyone, especially the marginalized.
Despite the country being one of the leading exporters of generic medicines to the world, the majority of Indians lack sufficient access to affordable medicines. Branded medicines are sold at significantly higher prices than their unbranded generic equivalents, though they are identical in their therapeutic value.
Major Initiatives under PMBJP
1. Affordable Medicines for All:
PMBJP aims to provide high-quality generic medicines at much lower prices compared to branded ones, making healthcare more accessible for every Indian.
2. Wide Network of Stores:
Over 15,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been opened across India where these affordable medicines are available.
3. Women’s Health Support – Suvidha Sanitary Napkins:
To promote menstrual hygiene, Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins are sold at just ₹1 per pad. Since their launch in August 2019, over 72 crore napkins have been sold as of January 2025.
4. Jan Aushadhi SUGAM App:
Launched in August 2019, the app helps users:
- Locate the nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra using Google Maps
- Search for generic medicines
- Compare prices between generic and branded medicines to see potential savings
5. Dual Impact – Seva Bhi, Rozgar Bhi:
The scheme not only serves public health needs but also creates employment through Kendras across the country.
Features of PMBJP
A unique feature of the scheme is that it is operated by government agencies as well as by private entrepreneurs.
- Prices of the Jan Aushadhi medicines are 50%-80% less than that of branded medicine’s prices available in the open market.
- Medicines are procured only from World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified manufacturers for ensuring the quality of the products.
- Each batch of drug is tested at laboratories accredited by ‘National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories’ (NABL) for ensuring best quality.
- The incentive up to Rs. 20,000/- per month is given @ 20% of monthly purchases made and subject to the stocking mandate.
- A one-time incentive of Rs. 2.00 lakh is provided to PMBJP Kendras opened in North-Eastern States, Himalayan areas, Island territories and backward areas mentioned as aspirational district by NITI Aayog or opened by women entrepreneur, Ex-serviceman Divyang, SC & ST.
Transforming Healthcare: A Look at the Growth
| Financial Year | Number of PMBJP Kendras Opened (Yearly Addition) | Cumulative Kendras | Sales at MRP (₹ in Crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–15 | 8 | 80 | 7.29 |
| 2021–22 | 1,053 | 8,610 | 893.56 |
| 2022–23 | 694 | 9,304 | 1,235.95 |
| 2023–24 | 1,957 | 11,261 | 1,470 |
| 2024–25 (As on 28.02.2025) | 3,796 | 15,057 | 1,767 |
Number Of PMBJP Kendras Opened
| Financial Year | Number of Medicines | Number of Surgical Items | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | 1,450 | 204 | 1,654 |
| 2021–22 | 1,616 | 250 | 1,866 |
| 2022–23 | 1,759 | 280 | 2,039 |
| 2023–24 | 2,047 | 300 | 2,347 |
Conclusion
\The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana is a revolutionary step in transforming India’s healthcare landscape. By ensuring access to affordable, high-quality generic medicines and promoting public awareness, PMBJP not only makes healthcare more inclusive but also opens doors for employment and entrepreneurship. With continuous expansion and strong public response, the scheme is truly fulfilling its vision of “Seva bhi, Rozgar bhi.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When was PMBJP launched?
The scheme was launched in November 2008.
Q2. What is the objective of PMBJP?
To provide affordable and quality generic medicines to all, especially the underprivileged.
Q3. Who implements the scheme?
It is implemented by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
Q4. What is the price of Suvidha Sanitary Napkins?
Just ₹1 per pad.
Q5. How many Jan Aushadhi Kendras are there as of 2025?
A total of 15,057 Kendras have been opened across India (as of Feb 2025).
Q6. How are the medicines tested?
Every batch is tested in NABL-accredited labs and sourced from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers.
