To make quality generic medicines more accessible and affordable, the Indian government is rapidly scaling up the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). As of June 2025, a total of 16,912 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been set up across the country. These dedicated outlets offer generic drugs at prices 50% to 80% lower than branded medicines resulting in nearly ₹38,000 crore in savings for Indian citizens. The government now aims to expand the network to 20,000 Kendras by March 2026. Alongside this expansion, efforts are being made to increase awareness, strengthen quality control, and promote prescription of generics across public healthcare.

Key highlights

16,912 Kendras already operational

• As of June 30, 2025, 16,912 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been opened across India.

• Tamil Nadu alone accounts for 1,432 Kendras.

• The goal is to reach 20,000 Kendras by March 31, 2026.

Medicines 50–80% cheaper than branded alternatives

• The initiative has saved citizens approximately ₹38,000 crore so far.

• The product basket includes 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical items across major therapeutic areas.

• This will be expanded to 2,200 medicines and 320 surgical items by 2026.

Strong push for public awareness and generic prescriptions

• Campaigns via print, TV, social media, buses, cinema, and Common Service centres.

• Jan Aushadhi Diwas is celebrated every year on March 7.

• Central Government hospitals and CGHS wellness centres are mandated to prescribe medicines by generic names.

Stringent quality control measures in place

• Medicines are procured only from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers.

• Every drug batch is lab-tested at NABL-accredited facilities.

• Routine audits of vendor facilities ensure compliance and safety.

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana continues to reshape India’s public healthcare by making generic medicines widely available, affordable, and trustworthy. With its upcoming expansion and focus on quality, the scheme is expected to significantly reduce medicine costs for Indian families while strengthening the backbone of rational drug use in government hospitals.