Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK)
Why in News?
- On 11 August 2026, the Centre reported that 20,149 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are operational across India under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), highlighting the rapid expansion of affordable generic-medicine outlets. Odisha alone has 881 Kendras.
- The latest government updates also indicate that the scheme has generated estimated savings of around ₹45,000 crore for citizens over 12 years, reflecting its role in reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure.
About PMBJP
- Launched: 2008 as the Jan Aushadhi Scheme; revamped in 2015 and renamed PMBJP in December 2016.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Department of Pharmaceuticals.
- Implementing Agency: Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI).
- Objective: Provide quality-assured generic medicines, surgical products and medical consumables at affordable prices through dedicated Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
- Medicines are generally available at 50–80% lower prices than comparable branded medicines.
Key Features
- Product Basket: As of December 2025, the scheme covered around 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical/medical consumable products, covering major therapeutic categories such as cardiovascular, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer and anti-infective medicines.
- Jan Aushadhi Suvidha: Affordable sanitary napkins are provided at ₹1 per pad, supporting menstrual hygiene and women's health.
- Entrepreneurship: Individual entrepreneurs can establish Kendras, creating local employment while expanding access to medicines.
- Expansion Target: Government aims to reach 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by March 2027.
Significance
- Healthcare affordability: Reduces medicine expenditure, particularly for economically vulnerable households and patients requiring long-term treatment.
- Universal Health Coverage: Supports the goal of making essential healthcare more accessible and equitable.
- Generic medicine ecosystem: Encourages public acceptance and wider use of quality-assured generic medicines.
- Inclusive entrepreneurship: Special incentives for women, SC/ST communities, Divyangjan and ex-servicemen encourage wider participation in the network.
Challenges
- Stock availability: Ensuring uninterrupted availability of medicines, especially for chronic diseases, remains important.
- Awareness and trust: Greater public awareness about the therapeutic equivalence and quality of generic medicines is needed.
- Last-mile access: Expansion must reach remote and underserved regions rather than concentrating only in urban markets.
