- As of June 2025, a total of 16,912 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have opened across India under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.
- The scheme offers over 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical and medical consumables, with plans to expand to 2,200 medicines by March 2026.
- Strict quality control and extensive government awareness campaigns guarantee safe and affordable generic medicines for all.
If you’re looking for affordable medicines without compromising on quality, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana is the government scheme for you. It aims to provide generic medicines at much lower prices through a growing network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, helping millions of healthcare users. This article covers everything you need to know about the scheme’s growth, benefits, quality checks, and future plans.
Growth of Jan Aushadhi Kendras Across India
The number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras has grown a lot, with 16,912 centers running nationwide as of June 2025. Tamil Nadu alone has 1,432 Kendras, showing strong state involvement. The goal is to reach 20,000 Kendras by 31st March 2026, making affordable medicines more available in both cities and rural areas. There are no fixed targets for individual states or union territories, allowing flexible growth.
How Affordable Generic Medicines Benefit Healthcare Users
The scheme greatly lowers healthcare costs by offering medicines priced 50% to 80% less than branded ones. This has led to estimated savings of about 6,000 crore for Indian citizens. Generic medicines under this program keep the same effectiveness as branded ones but cost much less, making medicines easier to access for all sections of society.
Medicines and Products Offered Under the Scheme
Jan Aushadhi Kendras provide a wide range of medical products including 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical and medical consumables. The range covers major health areas such as heart health, cancer drugs, diabetes medicines, anti-infectives, allergy medicines, stomach drugs, and nutraceuticals. The government plans to increase this range to 2,200 medicines and 320 consumables by March 2026.
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Quality Checks for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Medicines
Safety and effectiveness are top priorities. Medicines are bought only from WHO-GMP certified suppliers. Each batch goes through strict testing at NABL-accredited laboratories before being sent to Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Also, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India regularly audits vendor facilities to keep high standards.
Government Efforts to Raise Awareness about the Scheme
To spread the word and overcome challenges caused by lack of information, the government uses various ways:
- Ads in print media, radio, TV, mobile apps, cinema ads, hoardings, bus branding, auto wrapping, and TV screens at Common Service Centres.
- Active social media presence on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
- Annual celebration of Jan Aushadhi Diwas on 7th March to highlight the scheme’s benefits.
The Role of Healthcare Providers in Prescribing Generic Medicines
Central Government hospitals have been asked to prescribe only generic medicines. The Directorate General of Health Services has given the same instructions to CGHS doctors and wellness centers. The Medical Council of India’s code of ethics requires doctors to prescribe drugs using generic names clearly. This helps promote rational use and wider acceptance of generic medicines, reducing out-of-pocket health expenses.
Future Goals and Product Expansion
The scheme plans to increase its network to 20,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by 31 March 2026 and expand the product range to 2,200 medicines and 320 surgical and medical consumables. These steps show the government’s commitment to making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable across the country.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Jan Aushadhi Kendras (June 2025) | 16,912 |
| Target Kendras by March 2026 | 20,000 |
| Medicines Available | 2,110 (target 2,200 by 2026) |
| Surgical & Consumable Products | 315 (target 320 by 2026) |
| Key Quality Certifications | WHO-GMP, NABL accredited labs |
| Official Website | https://janaushadhi.gov.in/ |
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana remains an important scheme in India’s healthcare system, helping you get affordable and trusted medicines. Find your nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra and start benefiting from quality generic medicines today.