Jan Aushadhi Stores — Find Affordable Generic Medicines Near You

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a campaign launched by the Government of India to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices through dedicated stores called Jan Aushadhi Kendras. These stores sell medicines at prices 50-90% lower than branded equivalents.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with the Government of India or PMBJP.

What is Jan Aushadhi?

Jan Aushadhi Kendras are special pharmacies that sell:

• Generic medicines — Same composition as branded drugs at a fraction of the cost
• Surgical items — Consumables and medical devices
• Nutraceuticals — Health supplements
• FMCG products — Suvidha sanitary napkins at ₹1 per pad

Currently, over 10,000+ Jan Aushadhi Kendras operate across India, offering 1,900+ medicines and 290+ surgical items covering all major therapeutic categories.

How to Find Jan Aushadhi Stores Near You

Method 1: Official Website

1. Visit janaushadhi.gov.in
2. Click on "Store Locator" or "Find Jan Aushadhi Kendra"
3. Select your State and District
4. The list of nearby stores with addresses and contact numbers will appear

Method 2: Jan Aushadhi Mobile App

1. Download the Jan Aushadhi Sugam app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Allow location access for automatic nearby store detection
3. Or search by state/district/pincode
4. The app also shows medicine availability and prices

Method 3: Helpline

• Call 1800-180-8080 (toll-free) for store locations and medicine information

Price Comparison (Examples)

Prices are approximate and may vary.

Medicine Categories Available

• Cardiovascular: Blood pressure, cholesterol, heart medicines
• Diabetes: Metformin, Glimepiride, insulin
• Antibiotics: Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin
• Pain & Fever: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac
• Gastric: Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Ranitidine
• Respiratory: Salbutamol, Montelukast
• Vitamins & Supplements: Iron, calcium, multivitamins
• Cancer: Selected oncology medicines
• Surgical items: Gloves, syringes, surgical cotton, bandages

Are Generic Medicines Safe?

Yes. Generic medicines sold at Jan Aushadhi Kendras are:

• WHO-GMP certified — Manufactured in plants meeting World Health Organization Good Manufacturing Practice standards
• NABL tested — Each batch is tested at NABL-accredited laboratories
• Same composition — Contain the same active ingredients in the same dosage as branded drugs
• BIS standards — Meet Bureau of Indian Standards quality requirements
• Government monitored — BPPI (Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India) ensures quality control

How to Open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra

If you're interested in opening a store:

Eligibility

• Any Indian citizen, NGO, trust, private hospital, or registered society
• Pharmacist (D.Pharm/B.Pharm) must be employed at the store
• Minimum 120 sq. ft. retail space

Application Process

1. Visit janaushadhi.gov.in
2. Click on "Apply for Jan Aushadhi Kendra"
3. Register and fill the application form
4. Submit required documents (pharmacy license, trade license, etc.)
5. Pay security deposit (if applicable)
6. Application is reviewed and approved by BPPI

Financial Support

• Up to ₹2 lakh as one-time financial assistance for store setup
• Additional incentive of up to ₹5 lakh (15% of monthly purchases, up to ₹15,000/month)
• Special incentives for SC/ST, women entrepreneurs, and stores in North-Eastern states

Important Tips

1. Carry Prescription — Always carry a valid doctor's prescription when buying medicines.
2. Ask Your Doctor — Request your doctor to prescribe generic names instead of brand names.
3. Check Expiry — Always verify the expiry date and batch number on medicines.
4. Use the App — The Jan Aushadhi Sugam app helps locate stores and check medicine prices on the go.
5. Same Quality — Don't hesitate to switch to generics; they undergo the same rigorous quality testing.

Related Guides

• Check the Ayushman Bharat hospital guide for free hospital treatment
• Read about ESIC benefits for employee health insurance
• See our ABHA Health ID guide for digital health records

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are Jan Aushadhi medicines as effective as branded medicines?

Yes, generic medicines contain the same active ingredients in the same quantity and work the same way as branded medicines. They are manufactured in WHO-GMP certified plants and tested at NABL-accredited labs.

Q2: Do I need a prescription to buy from Jan Aushadhi Kendra?

Prescription medicines require a valid doctor's prescription. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like paracetamol and antacids can be purchased without a prescription.

Q3: How much can I save by buying generic medicines?

You can save 50-90% compared to branded equivalents. For patients on long-term medication (diabetes, blood pressure), this can result in savings of thousands of rupees per year.

Q4: Can I find all medicines at Jan Aushadhi stores?

Jan Aushadhi Kendras stock 1,900+ medicines covering most common therapeutic categories. However, some specialty or newer medicines may not be available. Check the app for availability.

Q5: How do I check if a medicine is available at Jan Aushadhi?

Use the Jan Aushadhi Sugam mobile app or visit the website to search for specific medicines and check their availability and prices.

Q6: Are Jan Aushadhi Kendras available in rural areas?

The government is actively expanding the network to rural and remote areas. Currently, stores are available in most districts. Check the store locator for your area.

Last updated: February 2026. Medicine prices and availability may vary. Always verify on janaushadhi.gov.in or the Jan Aushadhi Sugam app.