About PMBJP?
- A government initiative to provide quality-assured generic medicines at significantly lower prices through Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs).
- Launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
- Implemented by the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
- Savings: During 2021–22 to 2025–26, sales through JAKs reached ₹7,873.85 crore, with estimated citizen savings of about ₹37,200 crore.
Key Features
- Product basket: Around 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical items, medical consumables and devices.
- Affordability: Medicines are generally 50–80% cheaper than comparable branded medicines.
- Quality: Medicines are procured from WHO-GMP compliant manufacturers and tested in NABL-accredited laboratories.
Expansion & Citizen-Centric Initiatives
- Government targets 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by March 2027, including rural and remote areas.
- Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins: Available at ₹1 per pad.
- Jan Aushadhi Sugam App: Helps users locate Kendras, check medicine availability and compare prices.
- Special incentives are provided to women, Divyangjan, SCs, STs and entrepreneurs in specified disadvantaged regions.
Conclusion
PMBJP strengthens affordable and equitable healthcare by combining low-cost generic medicines with wider access to essential healthcare products.
| This concept has been mentioned in the following article : Making Diabetes Medicines Affordable in India |