Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana – Affordable Generic Medicines Scheme

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a Government of India initiative to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices through dedicated retail outlets called Jan Aushadhi Kendras. These medicines cost 50-90% less than branded equivalents while maintaining the same quality and efficacy.

What is Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana?

Under PMBJP, the government has set up a network of 10,000+ Jan Aushadhi Kendras (stores) across India that sell:

• Quality-tested generic medicines at heavily discounted prices
• Surgical supplies and consumables
• Nutraceuticals (health supplements)
• Suvidha sanitary napkins at ₹1 per pad

The Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), now renamed Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), manages the scheme under the Department of Pharmaceuticals.

How Jan Aushadhi Works

• Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient as branded medicines
• All medicines sold undergo quality testing at NABL-accredited labs
• Prices are set by PMBI — typically 50-90% lower than market rates
• Over 1,900 medicines and 290 surgical/medical devices available

Price Comparison Examples

Who Can Buy from Jan Aushadhi Kendras?

• Anyone — no prescription needed for OTC medicines
• Prescription medicines require a valid doctor's prescription
• No income or eligibility criteria — open to all citizens
• No need for any card or registration

How to Find Your Nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra

Using the Mobile App

1. Download "Jan Aushadhi Sugam" app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Open the app and allow location access
3. The app will show nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendras on a map
4. You can also search for specific medicines and check availability

Online Search

1. Visit janaushadhi.gov.in
2. Click on "Store Locator"
3. Select your State and District
4. View the list of Jan Aushadhi Kendras with addresses and contact numbers

Helpline

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

How to Open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra

If you want to open your own Jan Aushadhi store, here's how:

Eligibility to Open a Store

• Pharmacist — any registered pharmacist (B.Pharm/D.Pharm)
• Institutions — hospitals, NGOs, charitable trusts, cooperative societies
• Entrepreneurs — any individual (must employ a registered pharmacist)
• Self-Help Groups — women's SHGs and similar groups
• SC/ST/Divyang entrepreneurs get additional incentives

Application Process

1. Visit janaushadhi.gov.in → "Apply for Kendra"
2. Register and fill the online application form
3. Upload documents — pharmacy licence, identity proof, shop details
4. Pay the application fee (if applicable)
5. PMBI reviews and approves the application
6. After approval, set up the store with PMBI-supplied medicines
7. Start operations — medicines supplied at pre-fixed rates

Financial Support for Store Owners

Documents Required (To Open a Kendra)

• Aadhaar card and PAN card of applicant
• Pharmacy licence (Drug Licence)
• Pharmacist registration certificate (of employed pharmacist)
• Shop details — address, area, photographs
• Bank account details
• GST registration
• Passport-size photographs

Key Benefits

• 50-90% cheaper than branded medicines — massive cost savings
• Same quality — all medicines tested at NABL-accredited laboratories
• 10,000+ stores nationwide — wide accessibility across India
• No registration needed to buy — walk in and purchase
• Jan Aushadhi Sugam app — easily find stores and check medicine availability
• ₹1 sanitary napkins (Suvidha brand) — promoting menstrual hygiene affordably
• Employment generation — opportunity to open your own Kendra

Important Tips

1. Download the Jan Aushadhi Sugam app — it helps find stores and check medicine availability in real-time
2. Ask your doctor for the generic name of prescribed medicines — you can then buy the generic version at Jan Aushadhi
3. Carry your prescription for scheduled medicines — the pharmacist will dispense based on the generic name
4. Quality is assured — don't hesitate to buy generic medicines; they undergo the same quality testing as branded ones
5. Report any quality issues to the PMBI helpline — 1800-180-8080

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Jan Aushadhi medicines safe and effective?

Yes. All medicines are procured from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers and tested at NABL-accredited laboratories before being supplied to stores. They contain the same active ingredients as branded medicines.

How much cheaper are Jan Aushadhi medicines?

Jan Aushadhi medicines are 50-90% cheaper than their branded equivalents. For example, a medicine costing ₹100 as a branded product may cost just ₹10-50 at a Jan Aushadhi Kendra.

Do I need a prescription to buy from Jan Aushadhi?

OTC (over-the-counter) medicines do not require a prescription. For prescription/scheduled medicines, you need a valid doctor's prescription, just like any pharmacy.

How can I find a Jan Aushadhi store near me?

Use the Jan Aushadhi Sugam app or visit janaushadhi.gov.in and use the store locator. You can also call 1800-180-8080.

Can anyone open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra?

Yes. Individuals, pharmacists, hospitals, NGOs, trusts, and SHGs can apply. A registered pharmacist must be employed at the store. Financial support of up to ₹2.5 lakh is provided.

What is the Suvidha sanitary napkin?

Suvidha is a brand of affordable sanitary napkins sold at Jan Aushadhi Kendras for just ₹1 per pad. It is part of the government's initiative to promote menstrual hygiene.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Government of India. For official details, visit janaushadhi.gov.in or call 1800-180-8080.