PM Janaushadhi Pariyojana — Cheap Generic Medicines

What is PM Janaushadhi Pariyojana?

Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMJP) is a Government of India initiative to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices through dedicated stores called Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAK). These stores sell generic drugs that are bioequivalent to branded medicines but cost 50% to 90% less.

The scheme is operated by the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Key features:

• Over 10,000+ Jan Aushadhi stores across India
• 1,965+ medicines and 293+ surgical items in the product basket
• Medicines are the same quality as branded — just without expensive brand marketing
• Particularly useful for patients needing long-term medications (diabetes, hypertension, heart, thyroid, etc.)

Price Comparison Examples

Savings vary — typically 50–80% cheaper than branded equivalents.

How to Find Jan Aushadhi Store Near You

Online

1. Go to janaushadhi.gov.in
2. Click "Store Locator"
3. Select your state → district → area
4. View the nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra with address and phone number

Jan Aushadhi App

Download the PMJAY App (PM Jan Aushadhi Yojana) from Google Play / App Store:

• Search nearby stores by pincode/GPS
• Check medicine availability
• View medicine prices

Common Locations for Jan Aushadhi Stores

• Near government hospitals (district hospitals, CHCs)
• Railway stations
• Bus stands
• Residential areas with dense population
• Government medical college campuses

Who Can Benefit?

Anyone can buy from Jan Aushadhi Kendras — there is no eligibility requirement or card needed. Simply walk in with your doctor's prescription and ask for the generic equivalent.

Especially beneficial for:

• Patients with chronic conditions (diabetes, BP, thyroid) needing lifelong medication
• BPL families where medicine costs are a burden
• Senior citizens with multiple medications

How to Open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra (Franchise)

If you want to open a Jan Aushadhi store:

1. Go to janaushadhi.gov.in → "Open a Store"
2. Check eligibility:
   • Individual: must be a pharmacist (B.Pharma/D.Pharma), or a registered medical practitioner
   • Institutions: NGOs, hospitals, pharma companies can also apply
3. Apply online with required documents
4. BPPI reviews and approves
5. One-time setup grant of ₹2 lakh from government (for furniture, etc.)
6. 15% margin on MRP for the store owner
7. Additional 2.5% incentive for stores in NE states, tribal areas, and aspirational districts

Medicines Available

The PMJP product basket includes:

• Antibiotics and anti-infectives (amoxicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin)
• Cardiovascular (atorvastatin, amlodipine, losartan, metoprolol)
• Diabetes (metformin, glimepiride, insulin)
• Pain and fever (paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac)
• Gastrointestinal (omeprazole, metoclopramide, domperidone)
• Respiratory (salbutamol inhaler, montelukast)
• Nutritional supplements (calcium, iron, multivitamins)
• Surgical items (gloves, bandages, syringes)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the quality of Jan Aushadhi medicines the same as branded?

Yes — all PMJP medicines are sourced from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers and go through quality testing at approved labs. They are bioequivalent to branded drugs. The difference is only the absence of brand-name marketing costs.

Does my doctor need to specifically write "generic" for Jan Aushadhi?

Yes — most pharmacists fill the exact brand written. If your doctor writes the generic name (e.g., "Metformin 500mg" instead of "Glucophage 500mg"), you can directly go to a Jan Aushadhi store.

Can I get all my medicines from Jan Aushadhi?

Most common medicines are available. However, some specialty drugs, newer molecules, or rare medicines may not yet be in the PMJP basket. The basket is expanding regularly.

The Jan Aushadhi store says medicine is out of stock. What to do?

Ask when the next supply is expected. Alternatively, contact the district BPPI coordinator. You can also check the app for nearby stores that may have stock.

Is there a Jan Aushadhi store inside government hospitals?

Many government hospitals have Jan Aushadhi Kendras attached to them — especially district hospitals and medical colleges. Ask at the hospital information desk.

Official Links

• Store locator and information: janaushadhi.gov.in
• BPPI (Bureau of Pharma PSUs): pharmaceuticals.gov.in
• Helpline: 1800-180-8080 (toll-free)
• Download PMJAY App: Search "Jan Aushadhi" on Google Play / App Store