Implementation of PMBJP

 Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme, a total of 17,990 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened across the country as on 31.12.2025. With a view to further expand the coverage of the scheme, the Government has set a target to open 25,000 JAKs by March 2027. The State-wise /Union Territory-wise and district-wise number of JAKs opened across the country is at Annexure.

 Number of steps have been taken to ensure effective and regular supply of medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs), including the following:

1. Since September 2024, stocking by JAKs of 200 commonly used medicines, consisting of the 100 top-selling medicines in the scheme product basket and 100 fast-selling medicines in the market, has been incentivised, under which JAK owners are eligible for monthly incentive based on the stocks that they maintain of these medicines.
2. An end-to-end information-technology-enabled supply chain system is in place to connect a robust supply chain system consisting of 5 warehouses and a growing network of distributors across the country.
3. In addition, with a view to ensure availability of commonly used products, 400 fast-moving products are monitored regularly by the scheme implementing agency {Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)} and demand for the same is forecasted on an ongoing basis. Further, steps have been taken to digitise the forecasting method to augment the procurement process.

An internal committee of PMBI periodically reviews and fixes the MRP of medicines available in the Janaushadhi basket. The broad parameters while fixing the prices of medicines is as follows:

• For medicines included in the NLEM list, the prices are fixed at a rate which is at least 50% lesser than the ceiling price.
• For medicines not listed under NLEM, the prices are fixed at a rate which is at least 50% lesser than average MRP of the top 3 leading brands of the equivalent product available in the market.

Jan Aushadhi Kendras are inspected by the marketing officers of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India on surprise check basis to prevent occurrence of any malpractice.

Any person may lodge complaint regarding overcharging, quality and availability of generic medicines supplied through JAKs in the country using the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) portal of the Government of India, or by emailing to complaints@janaushadhi.gov.in, or calling the PMBJP helpline number 1800 180 8080.

The Janaushadhi product basket consists of 2,110 medicines and 315 medical devices and consumables and it covers major therapeutic groups including cardiovascular disease, oncology, anti-diabetic, anti-infectives, anti-allergic and gastro-intestinal medicines. The maximum retail prices (MRP) of Jan Aushadhi medicines are about 50% to 80% cheaper than those of leading branded medicines.

To promote acceptability of medicines supplied through JAKs, targeted awareness campaigns about the benefits of Janaushadhi medicines are conducted on a regular basis:

1. Awareness campaigns: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), which is the implementing agency for PMBJP conducts awareness campaigns in coordination with bodies and platforms such as the Central Bureau of Communication, PIB, MyGov and MY Bharat, in various modes such as print, television, radio, social media platforms, outdoor hoardings, community engagement, etc.
2. Interactive messages: Outreach and citizen engagement are also pursued through WhatsApp chatbot to inform citizens regarding the quality and affordability of Janaushadhi products.
3. Jan Aushadhi Week: Jan Aushadhi Week is celebrated every year in the first week of March during which special campaigns such as public rallies, health camps, seminars in pharmacy colleges, etc. are conducted across the nation to educate citizens about the benefits of Janaushadhi generic medicines.
4. Messages from eminent persons: Audio/video messages from well-known persons such as public representatives and eminent doctors are disseminated on social media platforms to highlight the benefits of Janaushadhi medicines and dispel myths associated with respect to their quality.
5. Public engagement programme in rural areas: To educate citizens in local languages/dialects, publicity is also done through health camps, nukkad-natak, audiovisual display etc. in association with local JAKs in rural areas.

Further, following concrete mechanisms are in place to ensure quality of medicines available at JAKs:

1. Supply only from WHO Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified plants: Only plants that are certified as WHO-GMP compliant by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) are eligible for supply of Janaushadhi medicines.
2. Distribution only after 100% pre-testing of all medicine batches: Samples are drawn from 100% of batches supplied at PMBI’s warehouses for anonymised testing, and medicines are dispatched for supply to JAKs only after the quality test is passed.
3. Testing only at labs compliant with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP): Samples are tested only at labs accredited and periodically inspected by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and, in addition, assessed by PMBI for GLP compliance.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.