Jan Aushadhi Kendra — How to Apply, Eligibility & Benefits

What is Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)?

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a government initiative to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices through dedicated stores called Jan Aushadhi Kendras. These medicines cost 50% to 90% less than their branded equivalents.

The scheme is run by the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.

Key facts:

• 10,000+ Jan Aushadhi Kendras across India (as of 2025)
• 1,900+ medicines and 290+ surgical/medical devices available
• All medicines are WHO-GMP certified (same quality as branded)
• Open to all citizens — no prescription requirement for OTC medicines
• Target: At least one Jan Aushadhi Kendra in every block of India

How Are Generic Medicines Different from Branded?

Example price comparison:

Note: Generic medicines have the same active ingredient, dosage, and effectiveness as branded versions. The only difference is the absence of brand marketing costs.

How to Find the Nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra

Method 1: Official Website

1. Visit janaushadhi.gov.in
2. Click on "Store Locator" or "Find a Kendra"
3. Select your state and district
4. A list of nearby kendras with addresses and phone numbers will appear

Method 2: Jan Aushadhi Sugam App

1. Download "Jan Aushadhi Sugam" app:
   • Google Play Store (Android)
   • App Store (iOS)
2. The app shows:
   • Nearest stores based on your location
   • Medicine search — check availability and price
   • Generic alternatives for branded medicines
   • Product catalogue with all available medicines

Method 3: Helpline

• Toll-free number: 1800-180-8080
• Available Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM

Complete Medicine List

Jan Aushadhi Kendras stock medicines across all major therapeutic categories:

• Cardiovascular — Atorvastatin, Amlodipine, Losartan, Atenolol
• Diabetes — Metformin, Glimepiride, Insulin (select stores)
• Antibiotics — Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin
• Pain & Fever — Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac
• Gastro — Pantoprazole, Omeprazole, Ranitidine
• Vitamins & Supplements — Iron, Calcium, B-Complex, Folic Acid
• Women's Health — Oral contraceptives, iron supplements
• Surgical Items — Surgical gloves, sutures, catheters, syringes
• Nutraceuticals — Protein powder, health supplements

Jan Aushadhi Suvidha: Sanitary napkins available at just ₹1 per pad (pack of 8 for ₹12) — among the cheapest in India.

For the complete searchable list, use the Jan Aushadhi Sugam app or visit janaushadhi.gov.in.

How to Buy Medicines

1. Visit any Jan Aushadhi Kendra with your prescription (for prescription medicines)
2. OTC medicines (paracetamol, antacids, vitamins) can be bought without prescription
3. Show your prescription to the pharmacist
4. The pharmacist will dispense the generic equivalent of the prescribed branded medicine
5. Payment: Cash, UPI, and cards accepted at most kendras

Tip: Ask your doctor to write prescriptions using generic names instead of brand names. Under the Indian Medical Council guidelines, doctors are encouraged to prescribe generics.

How to Open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra (Franchise)

Opening a Jan Aushadhi Kendra is a low-investment business opportunity with government support.

Eligibility

• Individual: Must be a registered pharmacist (D.Pharm/B.Pharm) OR employ one
• NGO/Trust/Society: Registered entity with a pharmacist on staff
• Hospital/Clinic: Government or private hospitals
• SC/ST/Women/Divyang entrepreneurs: Special incentive of ₹2 lakh

Investment Required

Government Incentives

• ₹5 lakh grant — Reimbursement of furniture and fittings (up to ₹5 lakh based on monthly purchase)
• ₹2 lakh additional incentive for SC/ST/Women/Divyang entrepreneurs
• Trade margin: 20% on medicines, 25% on surgical items
• No franchise fee — it's a government scheme, not a commercial franchise
• Free software for billing and inventory management provided by BPPI

How to Apply

1. Visit janaushadhi.gov.in → "Apply for Kendra"
2. Fill the online application form with:
   • Personal/entity details
   • Pharmacist registration number
   • Proposed shop location and area (minimum 120 sq ft)
3. Upload documents:
   • Pharmacist registration certificate
   • ID proof and address proof
   • Shop photographs and layout
   • SC/ST/Women/Divyang certificate (if applicable)
4. Submit and wait for BPPI approval (4–8 weeks)
5. After approval, order initial stock from BPPI
6. Set up the store as per BPPI guidelines (signage, layout)
7. Start operations — BPPI delivers medicines to your store

Earning Potential

• Average monthly sales: ₹1,00,000–₹3,00,000
• Margin: 20-25%
• Average monthly income: ₹20,000–₹75,000 (varies by location and footfall)
• Top-performing kendras earn ₹1,00,000+ per month

Important Tips

1. Download the Jan Aushadhi Sugam app — easiest way to find stores and check medicine prices
2. Generic ≠ inferior quality — all Jan Aushadhi medicines pass NABL-accredited lab testing
3. Carry your prescription — the pharmacist needs it to dispense prescription medicines
4. Compare prices before buying — some branded medicines may be competitively priced due to DPCO price controls
5. Jan Aushadhi Diwas is celebrated on 7th March every year with free health check-ups at many kendras

FAQs

Q1. Are Jan Aushadhi medicines safe and effective?

A. Yes. All medicines are procured from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers and tested at NABL-accredited laboratories before being sold. They contain the same active ingredients in the same dosage as branded equivalents.

Q2. Can I get all my prescribed medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendra?

A. Jan Aushadhi Kendras stock 1,900+ commonly used medicines. Most common prescriptions can be fulfilled. For specialised or rare medicines, you may need to visit a regular pharmacy. The Sugam app lets you check availability before visiting.

Q3. Do I need a prescription to buy from Jan Aushadhi Kendra?

A. Prescription medicines (antibiotics, cardiac drugs, etc.) require a valid doctor's prescription, just like any pharmacy. OTC medicines like paracetamol, antacids, and vitamins can be bought without prescription.

Q4. How much can I save by buying generic medicines?

A. On average, you save 50% to 90% compared to branded equivalents. A family spending ₹5,000/month on branded medicines could reduce their bill to ₹500–₹2,500/month.

Q5. Can I open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra without being a pharmacist?

A. You don't need to be a pharmacist yourself, but you must employ a registered pharmacist (D.Pharm or B.Pharm) to run the store. This is a legal requirement under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Q6. Is Jan Aushadhi available in rural areas?

A. The government is expanding coverage to every block in India. As of 2025, over 10,000 kendras are operational across 739+ districts. The app's store locator shows the nearest available kendra.

Q7. What is the sanitary napkin scheme under Jan Aushadhi?

A. "Jan Aushadhi Suvidha" oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins are available at ₹1 per pad (pack of 8 for ₹12). This is among the most affordable sanitary napkin options in India, supporting menstrual hygiene across economic classes.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with BPPI or the Department of Pharmaceuticals. Prices and availability may change — check janaushadhi.gov.in for the latest information.